Anti-Government Protests in Cameroon Leave One Dead and 20 Injured
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency and Al Mayadeen, Cameroonian security forces used tear gas last night to disperse anti-government demonstrators.
Supporters of the opposition party gathered in Yaoundé, the capital, and Garoua in northern Cameroon to protest the October 12 presidential election results. The demonstrations were met with violent police intervention.
Preliminary counts from the electoral commission indicate that incumbent President Paul Biya is on track to secure an unprecedented eighth term in office.
Local media reported that police opened fire on protesters in the Bombomri neighborhood of Garoua. The shooting killed one person identified as a primary school teacher who was returning home from work at the time.
The proclamation of an official victory for the ruling party comes after main challenger Isaac chiroma, a former minister, declared his own triumph last week. Chiroma warned that any other outcome could push Cameroon toward unrest.
Protests erupted nationwide following reports of Biya’s re-election. demonstrators expressed concerns over alleged voting irregularities not only in Garoua but also across cities such as Bafoussam, Dschang, Kousséri, and Douala.
The Cameroonian government has rejected claims of electoral fraud and called for calm until final results are announced. Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji stated yesterday that over 20 individuals were arrested during street protests in Garoua.
He added that some detainees face charges including inciting rebellion and disobedience and will be tried by military courts.
