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Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he provoked "aggressive election protests".

A minimum of 4 demonstrators have been lost their lives during skirmishes between police and military and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state securing an eighth consecutive term.

Issa Tchiroma maintains that he won the election, a claim disputed by the incumbent party, the CPDM.

Forceful measures by law enforcement on protesters have concerned the international community, with the UN, African Union and European Union calling for caution.

Minister's Accusations

Recently, the interior minister alleged the opposition figure of planning what he described as "unauthorized" protests resulting in the loss of lives, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the presidential race.

He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators involved in an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.

Poll Figures

Cameroon's leader, who took control in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the October 12 vote with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to just over a third for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.

Leader's Stance

Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had previously stated that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was fearless of being arrested.

Following the vote count, he claimed that gunmen shot on protesters assembled near his home in Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 individuals.

Probe Announced

Recently, the interior minister announced that an probe would be launched into violent incidents prior to and following the declaration of the vote outcome.

"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators died," he said, without providing a specific number of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the incidents.

The minister further mentioned that multiple personnel of the police and military also received major harm.

Current Situation

Although the interior minister insisted the condition throughout Cameroon was now stable, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the country, especially in these two cities, where protesters established roadblocks on Tuesday, and burnt rubber on the thoroughfares.

Analysts alert that the political turmoil could push the country into a leadership vacuum.