Cameroon's President Paul Biya has announced that he will be a candidate in the 7 October presidential election that would, if he wins, extend his 35-year-rule.
Mr Biya tweeted in French and in English: "I am willing to respond positively to your overwhelming calls. I will stand as your candidate in the upcoming presidential election."
The 85-year-old leader has been in power since 1982, making him one of Africa's longest-serving leaders.
Under his rule, Cameroon has survived an economic crisis and moved from being a one-party state to multiparty politics.
But it has also been marked by endemic corruption and reversal of democratic gains, leading to the abolition of term limits in 2008, which allowed the octogenarian to run for re-election in 2011.
The country is currently going through a period of strife sparked by calls for a breakaway state by residents of the English-speaking regions, who say they are discriminated against by the francophone majority.
Mr Biya's government has responded with force, sparking deadly clashes with secessionist militias in the Anglophone North-West and South-West regions.
The BBC’s investigative unit - Africa Eye - found evidence of torture and abuse by both sides in the conflict:
Source: BBC
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. |
He's just a corrupt bloody puppet criminal dictator but nothing else period. This ***barred word*** should be put on trial for destroying the country and crimes against humanity any time there is an opportunity. I wouldn't mind even if his bones are put on trial. If it has to take 100 more years, its okay with me.
SOMETIMES I WONDER WHAT KIND OF LEADERSHIP WE HAVE IN AFRICA SO AFRICA UNION. IS WAITING TILL FIGHTING BREAKOUT IF THEY SEND PEACE KEEPING FORCES.WHICH CAN BE PREVENTED IN THE FIRST PLACE. ALL THIS LEADERS WHO ARE CHANGING PRESIDENTIAL LIMIT,SHOULD BE STOP AND PROVIDE COMMON RULES FOR ALL AFRICA AND ELECTIONS FOR ALL AFRICA COUNTRIES IF THAT COUNTRY WANT TO BE PART OF AFRICA UNION.