Two prominent opposition leaders have been arrested, their political platform confirmed Friday, escalating tensions in Cameroon as the nation awaits the official results of the October 12 presidential election.
The Union for Change, a key opposition platform, issued a statement announcing the detention of Anet and Joy Kam Chamini. Both leaders had publicly endorsed opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who claims to have defeated long-standing President Paul Biya in the recent vote.
The arrests come amid a volatile political climate. Cameroon’s electoral body is expected to announce the final results on Monday, but opposition supporters have already taken to the streets in protest. They have warned against any attempt to rig the election in favor of the incumbent.
These demonstrations have at times turned violent. Protesters have clashed with security forces in several cities, leading to multiple arrests. The unrest turned fatal in the northern city of Garoua, where one person was killed.
The political crisis centers on competing claims of victory. Issa Tchiroma Bakary asserts he won the election based on results collated by his own party. However, President Biya’s party has accused Bakary of attempting to disrupt the electoral process.
Further allegations have emerged from the opposition MNDPM party, which claims several of its members have been kidnapped. The party describes these actions as a deliberate attempt by authorities to intimidate the Cameroonian populace ahead of the official announcement.
In a move that is likely to increase tensions, Issa Tchiroma Bakary has called for nationwide protests to be held on Sunday, just one day before the electoral body is scheduled to release the final results.
