Breaking News: Paul Biya Wins Eighth Term as Cameroon President Amidst Unrest

Cameroon President Paul Biya, 92, has been declared the winner of the presidential election, securing 53.66% of the vote. Biya’s victory marks his eighth term in office, sparking mixed reactions across the country.

Biya’s Reaction:

In a statement released by his party, Biya thanked Cameroonians for their support, emphasizing the weight of responsibility given to him. He called for collaboration to build a peaceful, united, and prosperous Cameroon. “As President of all Cameroonians, I wish to particularly extend my sincere thanks to all the voters who chose me,” he said.

Opposition Response:

However, opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary has disputed the results, claiming victory with 55% of the vote. Bakary reported gunfire near his home in Garoua, claiming two people were killed. He urged his supporters to take matters into their own hands if the Constitutional Council proclaims falsified results ¹.

Unrest and Condolences:

Serge Espoir Matomba, another presidential candidate, has called for peace, while expressing condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the post-election unrest. The United People For Social Renovation party also appealed for peace, stating that “any loss of life is a wound to the republic”.

International Reaction:

Analysts predict potential unrest and instability following Biya’s victory. Francois Conradie, lead political economist at Oxford Economics, expects escalated unrest, citing Biya’s shaky mandate. Murithi Mutiga, Africa Program Director at the International Crisis Group, urges Biya to initiate national mediation to prevent further escalation ¹.

Election Details:

The presidential election was held on October 12, with the Constitutional Council announcing the results on October 27. Biya’s victory extends his rule, which began in 1982, and could keep him in power until he’s nearly 100.

Other Latest News

Here are some of the latest news stories from the USA you may like to read

Attorney General News:

• NY Attorney A Letitia James is set to plead not guilty to charges related to allegedly lying on mortgage documents. James, a longtime critic of former President Donald Trump, faces two criminal counts, including bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution. Her legal team plans to challenge the appointment of U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, citing unlawful appointment ¹ ².
• Challenge to U.S. Attorney’s Appointment: James’ attorneys will argue that Halligan’s appointment is unlawful, a claim also made by former FBI Director James Comey in a similar case. The challenge could potentially lead to the dismissal of charges against James.

Justice Department News:

• Pakistani National Sentenced: A Pakistani national has been sentenced to 40 years for transporting Iranian-made advanced conventional weapons. This case highlights the Justice Department’s efforts to combat international arms trafficking.
• Human Smuggler Extradited: A human smuggler was extradited from Guatemala for his role in a 2021 mass casualty event in Chiapas, Mexico. This extradition demonstrates the U.S. government’s commitment to holding human smugglers accountable.
• Indictment of Former National Security Advisor: The Justice Department has indicted former National Security Advisor John Bolton on charges related to his actions while in office. Bolton has denied wrongdoing ³.

Law Firm News:

• Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani Apologizes: The law firm has apologized for AI errors in a bankruptcy court filing. The firm attributed the mistakes to generative AI used by one of its lawyers and has since updated its AI policies to prevent similar incidents ⁴.

Other News:

• National Prescription Drug Take Back Day: The DEA is hosting a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 26, allowing residents to safely dispose of unused prescription medications. This event aims to prevent prescription drug abuse and promote community safety ⁵.
• Arrest of Government Employee: A government employee was arrested for unlawful retention of national defense information. The employee is accused of mishandling classified documents.
• Cartersville Man Charged: A Cartersville man was charged with threatening to “shoot up the airport” and faces federal charges. The incident highlights concerns about airport security and threats to public safety.