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The nation's Interior Minister the interior minister has declared that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over claims that he incited "aggressive electoral rallies".

At least 4 protesters have been lost their lives during clashes between law enforcement and opposition supporters since the electoral process on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth consecutive term.

Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he won the election, a statement dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Aggressive responses by law enforcement on protesters have alarmed the international community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union demanding restraint.

Official's Accusations

Recently, the interior minister charged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he referred to as "unlawful" protests resulting in the loss of lives, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the election.

He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates involved in an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.

Election Results

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 votes, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, 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 earlier stated that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.

On election result day, he reported that armed men shot on demonstrators present near his home in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 people.

Probe Announced

Earlier this week, the interior minister announced that an probe would be launched into clashes before and after the publication of the vote outcome.

"During these attacks, some of the individuals involved were killed," he said, without providing a specific number of protesters who have been killed in the clashes.

The minister noted that several officers of the security forces also sustained significant wounds.

Ongoing Circumstances

Although the interior minister maintained the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now manageable, protesters remain active in certain regions of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators set up barricades on Tuesday, and set fire to tires on the streets.

Observers alert that the post-electoral violence could push the country into a leadership vacuum.