Biya, the world’s oldest leader at 92, has ruled Cameroon since 1982. His re-election deepened tensions in the cocoa- and oil-producing country, where critics accuse him of using state institutions to stay in power.
– The truth of the ballot is clear. We won these elections by a large majority. This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to the Cameroonian people,” Tchiroma said late Tuesday in his first public address since the council confirmed Biya’s eighth term.
Violent protests intensified in several cities in the central African nation on Monday following the council’s ruling, which is final and cannot be appealed.
At least 10 people were killed in the violence, local media reported, as hundreds took to the streets to denounce what they described as a rigged election.
– We demand an immediate end to barbaric acts: killings, arbitrary arrests and intimidation – Tchiroma said in a video address on his Facebook page, promising to remain steadfast.
“We will not surrender to fear or manipulation. We remain united and will continue to resist until the final victory,” he said.
Cameroon’s Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji accused Tchiroma on Tuesday of inciting violence and rebellion after prematurely declaring victory on October 13.
– This irresponsible candidate, driven by the desire to push through a conspiracy to disrupt public order, repeatedly called for the incitement of civil unrest on social networks – Nji said in a statement.
He said small gangs “often under the influence of drugs” looted shops and set fire to public buildings. He provided no evidence that the protesters had taken drugs.
In the country’s economic capital, Douala, which has seen some of the worst forms of violence, Nji said many public and private properties have been vandalized.
He added that several members of the security forces were injured and the attackers were killed during the conflict.
(Vijesti.ba / FENA)
