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Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has announced that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over claims that he incited "violent electoral rallies".

A minimum of four demonstrators have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between police and military and protesters since the presidential election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.

The opposition leader maintains that he was the true winner, a claim dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.

Forceful measures by security personnel on demonstrators have concerned the world leaders, with the UN, AU and European Union calling for caution.

Official's Allegations

Earlier this week, Nji accused the opposition figure of coordinating what he labeled "illegal" protests resulting in the loss of lives, and also criticised him for declaring victory 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 took control in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the 12 October election with a majority of the vote, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.

Challenger's Position

Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had earlier declared that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being detained.

Following the vote count, he said that security forces opened fire on demonstrators present near his home in Garoua, killing at least two people.

Probe Launched

Earlier this week, the interior minister announced that an inquiry would be started into clashes before and after the announcement of the election results.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals lost their lives," he stated, without offering a precise figure of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.

The minister noted that several personnel of the police and military also sustained major harm.

Ongoing Circumstances

Although Nji insisted the condition throughout Cameroon was now under control, protesters continue to protest in some parts of the country, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators mounted barricades on Tuesday, and burnt tires on the roads.

Observers warn that the election-related unrest could push the nation into a leadership vacuum.