Cameroonian authorities detained around 30 politicians and activists linked to opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma. Among those arrested were Anicet Ekane, leader of the MANIDEM party, and Djeukam Tchameni of the Union for Change movement.
The detentions escalate tensions ahead of Monday’s announcement of results from the October 12 presidential election. Clashes have erupted between security forces and Tchiroma’s supporters across the cocoa- and oil-rich nation over recent days.
Tchiroma called for nationwide protests on Sunday from 1400 GMT, urging citizens to continue demonstrations against the government. Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji confirmed arrests, describing the events as part of an “insurrectional movement,” without naming detainees.
Nji accused opposition figures of seeking power at the expense of national security, framing the protests as a deliberate threat. Tchiroma rejected claims of insurrection, accusing authorities of attempting negotiations with detainees before arresting them.
“They refused your proposals, and now you arrest them? Were they not terrorists when you sought to negotiate?” Tchiroma asked. A former minister and past ally of President Paul Biya, Tchiroma has claimed victory and vowed not to recognise any other outcome.
Protests erupted in multiple cities after partial election results suggested Biya is poised for re-election, according to local media reports. Biya, 92, in power since 1982 and the world’s oldest sitting president, could extend his rule for another seven years.