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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 incited "aggressive electoral rallies".

At least 4 protesters have been killed during skirmishes between security forces and opposition supporters since the presidential election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state securing an eighth consecutive term.

The opposition leader maintains that he was the true winner, a claim rejected by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Aggressive responses by law enforcement on demonstrators have alarmed the international community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union demanding moderation.

Official's Accusations

Recently, the interior minister accused the opposition figure of planning what he referred to as "illegal" demonstrations leading to the deaths, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the election.

He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.

Election Results

The president, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, won the October 12 vote with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.

Opposition Response

The opposition figure is has not yet commented to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had earlier announced that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being detained.

When results were announced, he claimed that armed men opened fire on protesters assembled near his house in the city of Garoua, killing at least 2 civilians.

Probe Revealed

Earlier this week, the interior minister disclosed that an investigation would be initiated into clashes before and after the announcement of the vote outcome.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals died," he stated, without providing a specific number of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the clashes.

The minister added that a number of personnel of the law enforcement also received serious injuries.

Current Situation

Although the interior minister asserted the condition throughout Cameroon was now stable, protesters remain active in some parts of the nation, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators mounted barricades on that day, and burnt tires on the thoroughfares.

Experts caution that the political turmoil could lead the nation into a political crisis.