As Cameroon braces for the official announcement of its presidential election results, waves of violent protests have swept through major cities, highlighting deep-seated frustrations with the long-standing regime. According to reports from international observers and local sources, clashes between opposition supporters and security forces intensified in the lead-up to the October 14, 2024, verdict from the constitutional council. These disturbances underscore allegations of electoral irregularities in the October 12 vote, where incumbent President Paul Biya, 92, seeks to extend his 43-year rule against challenger Issa Tchiroma Bakary.
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| Violent protests flare in Cameroon as results due in contested election |
Sources on the ground describe hundreds of demonstrators rallying for opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a 76-year-old former communications minister, in northern strongholds like Garoua and the commercial hub of Douala. What began as peaceful marches chanting "We want Tchiroma" quickly turned chaotic as riot police deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. Eyewitness accounts report plumes of smoke rising from blazes near fallen trees, with protesters waving banners pleading for international intervention, including appeals to U.S. President Donald Trump. Authorities have imposed a ban on public gatherings until the results are proclaimed, citing risks to public order.
Tchiroma Bakary, who resigned from government in June 2024 to launch his bid, has boldly declared himself the "legal and legitimate president," citing partial tallies from 80% of polling stations that allegedly show him securing 55% of the vote. In a widely circulated social media video, he accused the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) of plotting to "steal the victory" through ballot-stuffing and other manipulations. Protesters echoed these sentiments with placards reading, "We are not here for disorder. We're demanding the truth of the ballot," and one demonstrator affirmed, "We are here to claim our victory. We are making a peaceful march, which is a civil right for all Cameroonians." The CPDM has dismissed these assertions as unlawful, insisting that only the constitutional council—whose judges are appointed by Biya—holds the authority to certify outcomes.
Born in Garoua and trained as an engineer in France, Tchiroma Bakary's career spans public service and adversity. He once worked for Cameroon's national railway before enduring a six-year imprisonment in 1984 on unproven charges of plotting against Biya. From 2009 to 2019, he served loyally as communications minister, defending the regime during threats like the Boko Haram insurgency. His dramatic shift to opposition candidacy marks a pivotal challenge to Biya's enduring dominance since 1982. Despite filing eight petitions alleging irregularities—later rejected for lack of evidence—Tchiroma Bakary has vowed not to accept a "stolen vote," amplifying calls for transparency.
These protests reflect broader anxieties over governance in a nation long criticized for limited political freedoms. With the constitutional council poised to deliver its decision, the outcome could either quell or inflame tensions in a country already strained by separatist conflicts in English-speaking regions. International watchdogs have urged swift investigations into reported anomalies to safeguard electoral integrity.
These developments, drawn from verified accounts by global news agencies and on-the-ground reporting, illuminate the high stakes of Cameroon's electoral process. For the latest updates on the results and regional stability, consult official electoral bodies and diplomatic channels.
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