Thousands of supporters of opposition presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma took to the streets across Cameroon on Sunday, making claims of election- tampering before the official results were released.
Footage from Douala shows widespread unrest as locals burned vehicles and clashed with police. In the northern cities of Maroua and Garoua, protesters marched waving Cameroonian flags while motorcycles sounded their horns. Demonstrators threw projectiles at police, who responded with water cannons and tear gas. In Ngaoundere, large crowds rallied, some chanting 'Tchiroma' while one held a sign reading 'We want change in our country'.
"50 years in power, Mr President. We don't want you now. We don't want you anymore. It's okay, we don't want you anymore. Every day, every day promises. We don't want it anymore," declared one protester in Douala.
"After 43 years, Mr Biya has achieved a great deal. He's done a lot. We thank him, thank you for him. But we want him to hand over power to someone else. And the person has to try," stated a Tchiroma supporter.
While another pleaded for a new direction, "Change the system. Give us peace, Issa Tchiroma."
The unrest follows Tchiroma's claim that he won the October 12 presidential election, despite partial results indicating that incumbent President Paul Biya had secured victory.
Tchiroma urged supporters to defy a protest ban if the Constitutional Council declared what he called 'falsified and distorted results'.
At least four people were killed in clashes between protesters and police in Douala, according to the regional governor.
Incumbent President Paul Biya, 92, is the world's oldest serving head of state and has been in power since 1982. He announced in July that he would seek an unprecedented eighth term, saying he was responding to 'numerous and insistent' calls to remain in office
Tchiroma gained momentum with a campaign promising an end to Biya's decades-long rule. The 79-year-old, and former employment minister, resigned from government in June to join the opposition.
According to Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), more than 8 million voters are registered to cast their ballots. The winner will be determined by simple majority, with no run-off required.
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