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The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has stated that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he instigated "violent election protests".

A minimum of four protesters have been lost their lives during skirmishes between security forces and demonstrators since the electoral process on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth presidential mandate.

The opposition leader insists that he emerged victorious, a statement dismissed by the incumbent party, the CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by security personnel on protesters have concerned the international community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union urging caution.

Minister's Allegations

Recently, Nji accused the opposition figure of coordinating what he labeled "unlawful" demonstrations resulting in the fatalities, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the election.

He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices behind an insurrectionary plan" will also be prosecuted.

Vote Outcome

Paul Biya, who took control in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, won the 12 October vote with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.

Leader's Stance

Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the official announcement to try him, but he had before stated that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.

On election result day, he said that security forces used lethal force on protesters present near his home in Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 civilians.

Probe Revealed

Recently, the interior minister revealed that an inquiry would be launched into clashes prior to and following the announcement of the vote outcome.

"During these attacks, some of the criminals lost their lives," he commented, without offering a precise figure of demonstrators who have been killed in the clashes.

Nji further mentioned that several members of the security forces also received significant wounds.

Present Conditions

Although Nji asserted the condition nationwide was now under control, demonstrators remain active in certain regions of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators mounted roadblocks on that day, and burnt tyres on the streets.

Observers alert that the post-electoral violence could lead the country into a governmental instability.