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The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he provoked "aggressive election protests".

A minimum of 4 protesters have been killed during confrontations between security forces and protesters since the electoral process on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth term in office.

Tchiroma Bakary asserts that he emerged victorious, a claim rejected by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.

Forceful measures by security personnel on demonstrators have worried the international community, with the United Nations, AU and EU urging moderation.

Official's Accusations

Recently, Nji accused the opposition figure of organising what he labeled "unlawful" protests causing the deaths, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators responsible for an subversive plot" will also face legal action.

Election Results

The president, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, won the October 12 vote with a majority of the ballots, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.

Challenger's Position

Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had earlier declared that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was not afraid of being detained.

When results were announced, he said that armed men opened fire on protesters assembled near his home in Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 civilians.

Investigation Revealed

On Tuesday, the interior minister disclosed that an inquiry would be launched into clashes before and after the publication of the poll figures.

"Throughout the violence, some of the individuals involved were killed," he said, without giving a precise figure of protesters who have been killed in the clashes.

Nji noted that multiple officers of the police and military also suffered major harm.

Ongoing Circumstances

Although the interior minister asserted the state of affairs across the country was now manageable, demonstrators continue to protest in certain regions of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators set up barricades on that day, and ignited tires on the roads.

Observers alert that the election-related unrest could push the country into a leadership vacuum.