At least four people were killed by gunfire during opposition protests in Cameroon’s commercial capital, Douala, on Sunday, according to the campaign of presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma, who is challenging long-time leader Paul Biya.
Tchiroma called for nationwide demonstrations demanding that the results of the October 12 presidential election be respected, one day before the official results are due to be announced.
Police used teargas and water cannon to disperse demonstrators supporting Tchiroma, who insists he won the vote. Protesters accused authorities of attempting to rig the outcome, chanting, “We want Tchiroma!” as they hurled rocks and debris at security forces.
Partial results reported by local media suggest Biya, 92, is on course for another seven-year term — a result the opposition rejects. The government has dismissed allegations of fraud and urged citizens to await the official results.
Reuters reporters witnessed police arrest at least four protesters in Douala’s New Bell neighbourhood, while clashes were also reported in other parts of the city and in Garoua, Tchiroma’s hometown.
Earlier, Tchiroma’s campaign manager said authorities had detained about 30 opposition figures who supported his candidacy, including Anicet Ekane, leader of the MANIDEM party, and Djeukam Tchameni of the Union for Change movement.
Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji confirmed arrests linked to what he described as an “insurrectional movement” but did not provide further details.
Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, is the world’s oldest serving head of state. If re-elected, he could remain in power until nearly 100 years old. Tchiroma, a former minister and one-time ally of Biya, maintains that he won the election and will not accept any other result.
“Get ready for oil to be $200 a barrel," a spokesman for the Iranian Army warned the world on Wednesday (11 March), as attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz escalated. Meanwhile, 32 countries agreed to the largest ever release of oil reserves in an attempt to reduce prices.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was warned about the "reputational risks" of appointing Peter Mandelson as U.S. Ambassador due to his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffery Epstein, files released on Wednesday (11 March) show.
President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, visited Azerbaijan on Wednesday. A meeting between Costa and President Ilham Aliyev was held to reaffirm the European Union’s support amid regional security concerns, particularly following recent Iranian attacks on Nakhchivan Airport.
A wave of attacks across Israel and southern Lebanon escalated on Wednesday (11 March), with authorities reporting up to 12 incoming missile and drone alerts over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including threats over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
The 32 countries belonging to the Internatioanl Energy Agency agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil on Wednesday (11 March), in efforts aimed at bringing down the price of crude oil, which has soared since fighting between Iran, Israel and the U.S. started at the end of February.
U.S. President Donald Trump called his recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very good.” The two leaders spoke on Monday about the situation in Iran and other international issues.
A towering lava fountain from Kilauea shot about 400 metres into the air late on Tuesday (11 March) on Hawaii Island, prompting temporary closures at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and part of a key highway as volcanic ash and debris fell over nearby areas.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 10th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Britain has deployed the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon to the eastern Mediterranean to strengthen protection for its military assets in the Middle East after a drone strike targeted a key UK air base in Cyprus earlier this month.
Member countries of the International Energy Agency have unanimously agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves to stabilise global markets disrupted by the war involving Iran.
The annual pro-Palestinian al-Quds Day march in London, scheduled to take place on Sunday, has been banned by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood following warnings from the Metropolitan Police about the risk of “serious public disorder.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was warned about the "reputational risks" of appointing Peter Mandelson as U.S. Ambassador due to his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffery Epstein, files released on Wednesday (11 March) show.
At least six people have died after a bus caught fire in Kerzers, Switzerland, in what police say may have been a deliberate act. Witnesses reported a man inside the vehicle set himself alight. Three others were injured and taken to hospital, while authorities continue their investigation.
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