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The nation's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he instigated "violent election protests".

No fewer than four protesters have been lost their lives during clashes between law enforcement and protesters since the electoral process on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth presidential mandate.

Issa Tchiroma asserts that he won the election, a assertion rejected by the incumbent party, the ruling CPDM.

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

Minister's Claims

Earlier this week, Nji accused the opposition figure of organising what he labeled "unlawful" protests causing the deaths, and also rebuked him for claiming win in the presidential race.

He further stated that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators responsible for an subversive plot" will also be prosecuted.

Election Results

Paul Biya, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the October 12 vote with 53.7% of the votes, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.

Challenger's Position

Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had earlier declared that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was fearless of being arrested.

When results were announced, he claimed that armed men used lethal force on demonstrators present near his house in Garoua, killing at least two civilians.

Investigation Announced

Recently, the interior minister disclosed that an probe would be started into unrest prior to and following the declaration of the vote outcome.

"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals were killed," he stated, without providing a specific number of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the clashes.

Nji further mentioned that a number of personnel of the police and military also suffered serious injuries.

Present Conditions

While Nji maintained the condition nationwide was now stable, demonstrators continue to protest in some parts of the nation, especially in these two cities, where protesters mounted roadblocks on that day, and set fire to tyres on the streets.

Analysts warn that the election-related unrest could lead the nation into a leadership vacuum.