Cameroon: Tensions high October 22 ahead of release of election results /update 3

Event

The Constitutional Court is expected to release the official results of the October 7 presidential elections on Monday, October 22. Initial results indicated that incumbent President Paul Biya had won the election with 71.28 percent of the vote.

Tension are running high throughout the country following a weekend of violence. On October 21, security forces dispersed opposition supporters gathered to condemn the government's crackdown on suspected separatists in the Northwest and Southwest regions, as well as to highlight alleged electoral fraud. As many as 30 protesters and two journalists were arrested along the march route. Dozens of heavily armed police also encircled the residences of two opposition supporters. Social media and messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter had also reportedly been slowed by internet service providers on October 21.

Protests and violence are likely throughout Cameroon in the coming hours and days following the release of the results. A continued heavy security presence can be expected throughout major urban centers in the coming days. Political demonstrations, as well as attacks by separatist militants, remain possible.

Context

Eighteen requests, including some from all three major opposition candidates, were sent to the Constitutional Court to annul all or part of the October 7 vote; all 18 were rejected. The opposition candidates cited incidents of voter fraud and vote-rigging. Cameroon's electoral body has denied all claims of election interference.

Advice

Individuals in Cameroon are advised to closely monitor developments to the situation and avoid any rallies, protests, or other large public gatherings due to the potential for unrest. Abide by all instructions issued by the local authorities and your home government.