Hundreds of protesters have clashed with security forces in several cities across Cameroon, a day before the results in a highly-contested presidential election are due to be announced.Police fired tear gas and water cannons at the supporters of opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary in his stronghold of Garoua, a city in the north of the country.The protesters weredenouncing what they said was a plan by the ruling party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), to “steal the victory” from the opposition leader.Tchiroma Bakary has insisted that he won the presidential election held on 12 October, challenging incumbent President Paul Biya’s 43-year-old hold on power. The CPDM party has dismissed the claims. The demonstrations come after Tchiroma Bakary called on his supporters in the country and the diaspora to march peacefully to “liberate Cameroon”.Authorities have banned gatherings until Monday, when Cameroon’s constitutional council is set to announce the results.In Garoua, the demonstrations began peacefully but quickly turned rowdy when security forces threw teargas on the streets to disperse the hundreds of people that had gathered in support of Tchiroma Bakary.”We are not here for disorder.
We’re demanding the truth of the ballot,” a placard read.One protester was seen carrying a banner urging US President Donald Trump to help them.”We are here to claim our victory. We are making a peaceful march, which is a civil right for all Cameroonians – for everyone,” another protester said.Supporters also took to the streets in the south-western city of Douala. “We want Tchiroma, we want Tchiroma,” protesters chanted, Reuters news agency reports.
