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Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has declared that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he instigated "violent post-election demonstrations".

No fewer than 4 protesters have been lost their lives during skirmishes between security forces and protesters since the presidential election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state securing an eighth consecutive term.

The opposition leader maintains that he won the election, a assertion dismissed by the governing party, the ruling CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by security personnel on demonstrators have worried the global community, with the UN, AU and EU urging restraint.

Minister's Claims

Recently, Nji accused the opposition figure of planning what he labeled "unlawful" rallies leading to the deaths, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the electoral contest.

He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices behind an subversive plot" will also face legal action.

Poll Figures

Paul Biya, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the October 12 election with 53.7% of the vote, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.

Opposition Response

Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the authorities' move to bring him to court, but he had previously stated that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being arrested.

When results were announced, he said that security forces opened fire on protesters gathered near his house in Garoua, killing at least 2 people.

Inquiry Launched

Recently, the government official disclosed that an inquiry would be started into clashes prior to and following the announcement of the vote outcome.

"During these attacks, some of the criminals lost their lives," he said, without giving a specific number of protesters who have been lost their lives in the incidents.

The minister further mentioned that multiple members of the security forces also suffered serious injuries.

Present Conditions

While the interior minister insisted the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now under control, demonstrators are still demonstrating in various areas of the country, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators established barricades on that day, and burnt tires on the thoroughfares.

Observers caution that the political turmoil could lead the nation into a political crisis.