The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has stated that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he instigated "aggressive election protests".
At least four demonstrators have been fatally wounded during confrontations between law enforcement and protesters since the presidential election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state securing an eighth presidential mandate.
Issa Tchiroma maintains that he was the true winner, a assertion disputed by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Violent crackdowns by security personnel on demonstrators have alarmed the global community, with the UN, AU and European Union demanding restraint.
Minister's Accusations
On Tuesday, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he referred to as "unlawful" demonstrations causing the fatalities, and also criticised him for claiming win in the electoral contest.
He added that the opposition leader's "associates involved in an insurrectionary plan" will also face legal action.
Election Results
The president, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the 12 October presidential election with a majority of the ballots, compared to 35.2% for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.
Opposition Response
Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had earlier declared that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.
Following the vote count, he said that armed men opened fire on protesters present near his house in Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 civilians.
Probe Announced
Recently, the interior minister announced that an inquiry would be started into unrest prior to and following the declaration of the poll figures.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals died," he said, without giving a exact count of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the clashes.
Nji noted that a number of personnel of the security forces also sustained significant wounds.
Ongoing Circumstances
Although the interior minister asserted the situation across the country was now manageable, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters established barricades on Tuesday, and set fire to tires on the streets.
Experts warn that the election-related unrest could push the nation into a governmental instability.
