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

At least 4 protesters have been killed during clashes between law enforcement and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth consecutive term.

Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he won the election, a statement disputed by the governing party, the ruling CPDM.

Aggressive responses by police and security officers on protesters have worried the international community, with the UN, AU and EU demanding restraint.

Official's Accusations

Recently, Nji charged the opposition figure of coordinating what he described as "unlawful" demonstrations resulting in the loss of lives, and also criticised him for announcing success in the presidential race.

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

Poll Figures

Cameroon's leader, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, secured the October 12 vote with over half of the votes, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.

Opposition Response

The opposition figure is remains silent to the authorities' move to try him, but he had earlier announced that he would not accept a fraudulent outcome - and that he was fearless of being arrested.

Following the vote count, he said that armed men used lethal force on protesters present near his house in the city of Garoua, killing at least two individuals.

Inquiry Announced

Recently, the government official revealed that an investigation would be started into unrest prior to and following the publication of the poll figures.

"During these attacks, some of the criminals died," he commented, without providing a precise figure of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.

The minister noted that several personnel of the law enforcement also suffered serious injuries.

Present Conditions

While the interior minister maintained the state of affairs across the country was now under control, protesters continue to protest in various areas of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators mounted roadblocks on that day, and set fire to tires on the thoroughfares.

Experts alert that the election-related unrest could lead the country into a governmental instability.