- Safiu Kehinde
The re-election victory of 92-year-old Paul Biya, the only President over 60 percent of Cameroonians have known in their lifetime, has been met with violence across the West African country.
NPO earlier Reported that Biya was on Monday declared winner of the heavily disputed elections by the Constitutional Council.
He got 53.7% of the vote compared to the 35.2% of his main challenger Issa Tchiroma Bakary
Biya, who is the world’s oldest head of state, will now serve an eighth consecutive term – he first came to power in 1982
The victory would however not go down well in several parts of Cameroon as angry voters and residents took to the streets, challenging security operatives, and causing civil unrest over the election.
On Sunday, four protesters were killed in the city, when they clashed with security forces.
As of Monday afternoon, furious resident are not letting up.
According to the BBC, residents of Douala, the country’s economic capital appeared to have slung mud at a billboard of re-elected President Biya.
In the city of Garoua protesters loyal to Issa Tchiroma Bakary who gathered outside his residence.
On Sunday, four people died as protesters and police clashed in the economic capital, Douala while Bakary saidd two people died on Monday when gunmen fired shots near his residence.
However, Paul Biya has put out a public statement – hours after he was declared winner of the election.
Biya said he thanks those who “once again placed their trust” in him.
“My first thoughts are with all those who have unnecessarily lost their lives, as well with their families, as a result of the post-election violence,” he said.
In his message, Biya called for peace.
“With the presidential election behind us, I sincerely hope that, together, we resolutely undertake to build a peaceful, united and prosperous Cameroon.” He added.