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The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has stated that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over claims that he instigated "violent election protests".

At least four demonstrators have been killed during clashes between security forces and demonstrators since Cameroon's election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth consecutive term.

The opposition leader insists that he was the true winner, a assertion disputed by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.

Aggressive responses by security personnel on protesters have concerned the international community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union calling for moderation.

Minister's Allegations

Earlier this week, Nji charged the opposition figure of planning what he described as "unlawful" demonstrations causing the loss of lives, and also condemned him for claiming win in the presidential race.

He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.

Vote Outcome

The president, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the 12 October presidential election with over half of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.

Opposition Response

Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the authorities' move to try him, but he had before declared that he would not accept a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.

On election result day, he claimed that gunmen shot on protesters present near his house in the city of Garoua, killing at least 2 individuals.

Probe Announced

On Tuesday, the interior minister disclosed that an inquiry would be launched into violent incidents before and after the announcement of the poll figures.

"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators lost their lives," he commented, without giving a specific number of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the clashes.

Nji added that a number of officers of the law enforcement also suffered significant wounds.

Current Situation

Although Nji maintained the situation across the country was now manageable, demonstrators remain active in certain regions of the nation, especially in these two cities, where protesters established obstructions on that day, and set fire to rubber on the thoroughfares.

Observers caution that the election-related unrest could plunge the country into a leadership vacuum.