At least 48 killed in Cameroon post-election protests — report

No fewer than 48 people have been killed in unrest following Cameroon’s disputed presidential election, according to figures cited by Reuters from two United Nations sources.

The violence erupted after President Paul Biya secured a controversial eighth term in office at the age of 92. The election was marked by accusations of manipulation, with opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma claiming victory before official results were announced.

Tchiroma said he had secured 54.8 percent of the vote against Biya’s 31.3 percent, and urged Cameroonians to protest if the Constitutional Council published what he described as “falsified and distorted results.”

Early provisional tallies placed Biya in the lead, triggering demonstrations in several parts of the country. Initial reports indicated at least four deaths, but Reuters reported on Tuesday that the civilian toll had risen steeply as security forces cracked down on protesters.

According to the UN sources, most victims were killed by live ammunition, while others died from injuries sustained after being beaten with batons and sticks. Although protests have since subsided, authorities have taken a harder line against opposition figures.

Paul Nji, Cameroon’s minister of territorial administration, warned that Tchiroma would face consequences for allegedly inciting “post-election violence” and violating the law by declaring himself president-elect before the release of official results.

Tchiroma, who said last week that he had been moved to a secure location by soldiers loyal to him, has continued to challenge the election outcome.

He called for a three-day national lockdown starting Monday, urging supporters to stay home to demonstrate their rejection of the announced results.

In a statement recently, the Secretary-General António Guterres urged all political stakeholders and their supporters to exercise restraint, reject violence and refrain from any inflammatory rhetoric and hate speech. 

He stresses the critical importance of safeguarding human rights and fundamental freedoms. He calls on authorities to ensure a safe and secure environment where the rights of all citizens are protected and to ensure due process for anyone arrested.

The Secretary-General encourages inclusive dialogue to address grievances and preserve national unity and stability and resolve any disputes through legal and peaceful means. 

He reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations to supporting sustainable peace and development in Cameroon.

Courtesy Business Today/ KNews

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