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Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over claims that he provoked "violent election protests".

No fewer than 4 demonstrators have been lost their lives during clashes between security forces and demonstrators since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth term in office.

Issa Tchiroma maintains that he was the true winner, a statement disputed by the incumbent party, the CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by security personnel on demonstrators have alarmed the international community, with the UN, AU and EU calling for moderation.

Minister's Claims

On Tuesday, the interior minister accused the opposition figure of organising what he labeled "illegal" demonstrations leading to the deaths, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

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

Poll Figures

Cameroon's leader, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the 12 October election with a majority of the vote, compared to 35.2% for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.

Challenger's Position

Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had before stated that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being detained.

When results were announced, he reported that armed men used lethal force on protesters present near his residence in Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 civilians.

Inquiry Launched

On Tuesday, the interior minister revealed that an probe would be launched into violent incidents prior to and following the declaration of the election results.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the perpetrators were killed," he commented, without offering a precise figure of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.

Nji further mentioned that several officers of the law enforcement also received major harm.

Ongoing Circumstances

Although Nji asserted the condition throughout Cameroon was now under control, demonstrators continue to protest in certain regions of the nation, especially in these two cities, where protesters established roadblocks on that day, and ignited tyres on the streets.

Analysts caution that the election-related unrest could lead the nation into a leadership vacuum.