In a disputed election that has sparked anger across the country Cameroon president the wolrd oldest head of state has claimed eighth term in office.
cameroon election
Paul Biya 92 has ruled Central African nation since !982.
On Monday the Constitutional Council annouced him winner with 53.7% of vote compared to 35.2$ for opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary.
If he servees out new seven year term Biya would remain in power untile almost he was nearly 100 years old.
The country of 30 million on world youngest continent has median age of 19 Most Camerronians have only one president who appears in public and spends long stretches abroad particulary in Switzerland.
cameroon election
Cameroon faces severe crises jihadist violence in north a separatist insurgency in west and entrenched corruption.
Supporters gathered to celebrate at Constitutional Council in capital Yaounde Biya remained as elusive as ever.
During campaing he made one public appearance and by Monday night he had to address the nation instead releasing a breif written statement,
Protests raised in multiple cities including commercial capital Douala and Garoua Tchiroma hometown.
Securit froces used force to dispense crowds leaving four people dead in latest days.
Dozens of opposition figures and activist have been arrested.
cameroon election
What Comes Next?
On Monday Tchiroma accused government of plotting to arrest him and posted photos on social media of snipers near his residence claims that could not be verified.
He called supporters including within the army to defend the true result.
With recent across West and Central Africa the danger of instability here looms large.
Opposition leader Njang Dennis Tabeh said his party figure show Biya was defeated.
“The regime as usual even if they are defeated at ballot box controls all the institution from electoral body to constitutional council.”
Biya long absences and his government tightening grip have fueled anger and uncertainty.
Cameroon crisis reflect broader pattern across Africa youthful population ruled by aging leaders clinging to power through manage election weakened institutions.
cameroon election
Opposition Dispute Result
Independent counts from major polling station had suggested Biya challenger 79 year old Iss Tchiroma Bakary was leading count.
A longtime government minister and Biya spokesperson Tchiroma left administration earlier this year and gained traction among younger voters hungry for change.
He declared himself the winner two weeks before but official results showed Biya prevailing even in regions where his help was though weaket.
A Catholic bishop who endorsed Tchiroma during campaign detailed him as better devil capturing frustration of voters who see few genuine alternatives.
cameroon election
