In Cameroon, opposition demonstrations struggle to mobilize
In Douala, the economic capital, this day of mobilization turned into a dead city day (illustration).
Emiliano Gandolfi / Wikimedia
Text by: RFI Follow
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In Cameroon, seven parties called on Tuesday, September 22, for a peaceful march across the country against the regime of Paul Biya.
The authorities had banned all demonstrations and threatened to suppress all gatherings.
A large police force had also been deployed in Douala and in the capital, Yaoundé.
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In Yaoundé, the demonstration announced by the opponent Maurice Kamto was stifled before it even started.
Hundreds of police and gendarmes had been deployed throughout the capital, especially around the central post office, in the city center, where the marchers had planned to converge.
The police arrested dozens of people at the slightest beginning of a gathering.
An important system was also in place in the Etoudi district, where the presidential palace is located as well as the home of Maurice Kamto.
He was also unable to leave his home, his residence having been surrounded by the police.
A few clashes took place nearby.
They led to the arrest of about twenty people, including journalists.
Dead city day in Douala
In Douala, the economic capital, according to several accounts, most shops have remained closed and the inhabitants at home.
Against all expectations, this day of mobilization turned into a dead city day, as Douala had not known for a long time.
The mobilization was also a little more important there than in Yaoundé.
Several hundred people were able to converge on the Ndokoti crossroads with cries of "Too much is too much" and "Biya must go", before being quickly dispersed with tear gas and water cannon.
The authorities had warned against any attempt to rally, qualifying this call to demonstrate by the opposition "calls for insurrection".
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Cameroon
Paul Biya