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Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has stated that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he incited "violent election protests".

A minimum of 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between police and military and protesters since the electoral process on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.

The opposition leader insists that he emerged victorious, a assertion disputed by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Forceful measures by security personnel on demonstrators have concerned the global community, with the United Nations, AU and EU urging moderation.

Official's Allegations

Recently, Nji charged the opposition figure of organising what he referred to as "unauthorized" protests resulting in the fatalities, and also criticised him for claiming win in the election.

He added that the opposition leader's "associates behind an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.

Election Results

Paul Biya, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the October 12 election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Opposition Response

The opposition figure is has not yet commented to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had before announced that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being taken into custody.

When results were announced, he claimed that armed men shot on demonstrators present near his residence in Garoua, killing at least two individuals.

Inquiry Announced

On Tuesday, the government official disclosed that an investigation would be started into clashes before and after the publication of the election results.

"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators died," he said, without offering a precise figure of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.

The minister added that several members of the police and military also suffered significant wounds.

Ongoing Circumstances

Even though the interior minister maintained the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now under control, protesters remain active in various areas of the country, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators mounted barricades on that day, and burnt tires on the roads.

Observers caution that the political turmoil could plunge the country into a leadership vacuum.