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

At least four protesters have been fatally wounded during clashes between police and military and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth consecutive term.

The opposition leader maintains that he emerged victorious, a statement dismissed by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Violent crackdowns by security personnel on protesters have worried the global community, with the UN, AU and EU calling for restraint.

Minister's Allegations

On Tuesday, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he referred to as "unauthorized" protests causing the deaths, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the election.

He noted that the opposition leader's "associates behind an insurrectionary plan" will also face legal action.

Poll Figures

Paul Biya, who came to power in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the October 12 vote with over half of the ballots, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Opposition Response

Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the official announcement to bring him to court, but he had earlier announced that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being arrested.

Following the vote count, he said that gunmen used lethal force on protesters assembled near his residence in the city of Garoua, killing at least two individuals.

Investigation Launched

Earlier this week, the interior minister revealed that an probe would be initiated into violent incidents before and after the announcement of the vote outcome.

"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals lost their lives," he said, without providing a specific number of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the confrontations.

The minister noted that several personnel of the police and military also received significant wounds.

Present Conditions

While Nji asserted the condition nationwide was now manageable, demonstrators continue to protest in various areas of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators set up roadblocks on Tuesday, and ignited tyres on the thoroughfares.

Observers alert that the political turmoil could push the nation into a political crisis.