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.
Supporters also took to the streets in the south-western city of Douala chanting, 'We want Tchiroma, we want Tchiroma,' as protest fervor spread. Tchiroma previously declared himself the 'legal and legitimate president', asserting he had won the election with about 55% of the vote based on returns from individual polling stations.
Despite the CPDM dismissing these claims, the tensions underscore deep divisions in Cameroon as the country approaches a pivotal moment in its political landscape.
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.
Supporters also took to the streets in the south-western city of Douala chanting, 'We want Tchiroma, we want Tchiroma,' as protest fervor spread. Tchiroma previously declared himself the 'legal and legitimate president', asserting he had won the election with about 55% of the vote based on returns from individual polling stations.
Despite the CPDM dismissing these claims, the tensions underscore deep divisions in Cameroon as the country approaches a pivotal moment in its political landscape.
