Violent protests erupted in Cameroon over disputed election results

Hundreds of protesters clashed with security forces in several cities in Cameroon, a day before the results of a hotly contested presidential election were to be announced.

Police used tear gas and water cannons against supporters of opposition candidate Isa Chiroma Bakari in his stronghold of Garoua, a town in the north of the country.

The protesters were denouncing what they say is a plan by the ruling party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), to “steal victory” from the opposition leader.

Chiroma Bakari insisted he had won the presidential election held on October 12, challenging incumbent President Paul Biya’s 43-year rule. The CPDM party rejected the allegations.

The demonstrations come after Chiroma Bakari called on his supporters in the country and the diaspora to march peacefully to “liberate Cameroon”.

Authorities banned gatherings until Monday, when Cameroon’s constitutional council is due to announce results.

In Garoua, the demonstrations started peacefully but quickly turned into a riot when security forces fired tear gas into the streets to disperse hundreds of people who had gathered in support of Chiroma Bakari.

“We are not here for riots. We are demanding the truth of the vote,” read a poster.

One of the protesters was seen carrying a banner calling on US President Donald Trump to help them.

“We are here to declare our victory. We are doing a peaceful march which is a civil right for all Cameroonians – for everyone,” said another protester.

Supporters also took to the streets in the southwestern city of Douala. “We want Chiroma, we want Chiroma,” the protesters chanted, Reuters reports.

Tchiroma Bakary earlier told the BBC that he will not accept a stolen vote.

He said his team compiled the overall picture based on the results of individual polling stations.

In a video statement posted on social media, Chiroma Bakari said he won the election with about 55 percent of the votes, based on what he said were returned, representing 80 percent of the electorate.

The 76-year-old former government minister parted ways with 92-year-old Biya, who is running for a new term after 43 years in power.

The CPDM rejected Chiroma Bakari’s claims of victory and several officials described it as illegal, as only the constitutional council can announce official results.

Opposition supporters say the October 12 election was marred by irregularities, including ballot falsification.

Constitutional Council judges rejected eight petitions, citing insufficient evidence of irregularities or lack of jurisdiction to annul the results.

Chiroma Bakari has refused to lodge complaints with the council, whose judges are appointed by Biya, choosing instead to declare himself the “lawful and legitimate president”.

Born in Garoua, Chiroma Bakari trained as an engineer in France before returning to Cameroon to work for the national railway company.

In 1984, he was imprisoned, accused of participating in an attempt to overthrow President Biya. Although he denied the charge and was never convicted, Chiroma Bakari spent six years in prison.

He was also Minister of Communications from 2009 to 2019.

In this role, and as government spokesman, he staunchly defended the Biya government during crises such as the Boko Haram insurgency, when the army was accused of killing civilians.

But in June, just four months before the general election, Chiroma Bakari dramatically reversed course, resigning from government and announcing that he would run against Biya for the presidency.