Cameroon’s Paul Biya Declared Election Winner Amid Deadly Protests

BREAKING: Cameroon’s top court has declared incumbent President Paul Biya the winner of the recent presidential election, amidst escalating tensions and deadly protests across the nation. Biya, the world’s oldest leader at 92 years old, secured 53.66% of the votes, while challenger Issa Tchiroma Bakary garnered 35.19%, according to the Constitutional Council.

Tragic violence erupted in the lead-up to the announcement on October 12, 2023, with at least four protesters dead in Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital. Reports indicate that clashes with security forces resulted in multiple fatalities and over 100 arrests. As opposition supporters rallied for credible election results, tensions soared, leading to widespread unrest across the country.

In response to the election results, Bakary had claimed victory days before, citing unofficial tallies from his party. However, Biya’s administration quickly dismissed these claims, intensifying the volatile situation. The governor of the Littoral Region, Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua, confirmed the deaths of the protesters and noted that several security personnel were injured during the confrontations.

Videos circulating online depict chaotic scenes as protesters clashed with law enforcement, who deployed tear gas to disperse crowds barricading major roads in Douala, Garoua, and Maroua. Local officials reported that the unrest was fueled by accusations of electoral manipulation and calls for change from frustrated youth and opposition factions.

One protester, Oumarou Bouba, expressed defiance: “I am ready to stake my life to defend my vote. I voted for Tchiroma because I want change.” This sentiment resonates with many in Cameroon, where frustration over Biya’s lengthy rule has reached a boiling point.

Authorities are on high alert, with the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, stating that several individuals were arrested for allegedly plotting violent actions amid the protests. The unrest is a stark reminder of the deep divisions within the country as Biya’s government faces allegations of corruption and electoral fraud.

This situation remains fluid, and developments are expected to unfold rapidly. As the nation grapples with the implications of this election outcome, the international community is watching closely.

What’s Next: Citizens and global observers alike are keen to see how the situation evolves in the coming days. The potential for further protests and government responses will be critical in determining Cameroon’s political landscape going forward.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and share widely to keep others informed about the unfolding events in Cameroon.