Hundreds of protesters have clashed with security forces in several cities across Cameroon, a day before the results in a highly-contested presidential election are due to be announced. Police fired tear gas and water cannons at the supporters of opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary in his stronghold of Garoua, a city in the north of the country. The protesters were denouncing what they said was a plan by the ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM), to 'steal the victory' from the opposition leader. Tchiroma Bakary has insisted that he won the presidential election held on 12 October, challenging incumbent President Paul Biya's 43-year-old hold on power. The CPDM party has dismissed the claims. The demonstrations come after Tchiroma Bakary called on his supporters in the country and the diaspora to march peacefully to 'liberate Cameroon'. Authorities have banned gatherings until Monday, when Cameroon's constitutional council is set to announce the results. In Garoua, the demonstrations began peacefully but quickly turned rowdy when security forces threw teargas on the streets to disperse the hundreds of people that had gathered in support of Tchiroma Bakary. 'We are not here for disorder. We're demanding the truth of the ballot,' a placard read. Protesters were also seen demanding support from the international community, indicating the widespread desire for justice and transparency in the electoral process.
Protests Erupt in Cameroon as Tensions Rise Over Election Results
Protests Erupt in Cameroon as Tensions Rise Over Election Results
In Cameroon, protests intensify among supporters of opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, alleging electoral fraud just before the announcement of presidential election results.
Protests have erupted across multiple cities in Cameroon as supporters of opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary clash with security forces. These demonstrations come in the wake of a contentious presidential election, in which Bakary claims to have won against incumbent President Paul Biya. Protesters assert that the ruling party plans to 'steal' the election, demanding a fair acknowledgment of their votes. Despite attempts to quash the unrest with police force, the calls for civil rights and electoral transparency continue to resonate among the crowd.
