Written by Lisa Murimi
Violent protests have erupted in Cameroon’s economic capital, Douala, after opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary rejected President Paul Biya’s re-election, accusing the 92-year-old leader of rigging the October 12 poll to extend his more than four-decade rule.
President Biya, Africa’s longest-serving leader, was declared winner by the Constitutional Council for an unprecedented eighth term.
The ruling, which is final and not subject to appeal, has sparked widespread anger and clashes across the Central African nation.
Tchiroma, leader of the Cameroon National Salvation Front (FSNC), told supporters in a defiant speech that he would continue resisting “until the final victory.”
“The truth of the ballot is clear. We won this election by a large majority,” he declared late Tuesday.
“This victory belongs to the Cameroonian people.”
Protests erupted soon after his remarks, with demonstrators burning tyres and blocking major roads in Douala.
Local media reported at least 10 people killed in the unrest as security forces moved in to disperse crowds. Several areas of the city were left littered with debris, and many businesses closed for fear of looting.
Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji accused Tchiroma of inciting violence by prematurely declaring himself winner and calling for public demonstrations.
“This irresponsible candidate issued repeated calls on social media inciting civil unrest,” the minister said, blaming the protests on “small groups under the influence of drugs.”
Civil society group Stand Up for Cameroon condemned the government’s response, claiming that more than 500 protesters had been arrested between October 26 and 28 and were being held in “inhumane” conditions. The group reported that lawyers had seen detainees with bruises and swollen faces.
Videos shared on social media showed soldiers loading what appeared to be lifeless bodies onto military trucks as onlookers shouted, “Give back the corpse.”
Officials said over 200 people had been detained in Douala, with several public and private buildings vandalised.
