Cameroon: 126 arrested over independence protest
YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) — 02 OCT. 2011
© EMMANUEL TUMANJONG | AP
An official says police have arrested 126 protesters seeking independence for English-speaking Cameroon.
The police official says they were arrested Saturday and Sunday for defying public order. They follow the arrests of 50 activists from the Southern Cameroons National Council who demonstrated Saturday. The official asked for anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to journalists.
Saturday was the 50th anniversary of British Cameroon's merger with the former French Cameroon.
The protest follows other recent unrest as Oct. 9 elections approach.
On Thursday, gunmen carrying signs opposing President Paul Biya blockaded a bridge and shot at police in the city of Douala.
Biya has ruled since 1982 and is widely expected to win another seven-year term in the West African nation.
© EMMANUEL TUMANJONG | AP
An official says police have arrested 126 protesters seeking independence for English-speaking Cameroon.
The police official says they were arrested Saturday and Sunday for defying public order. They follow the arrests of 50 activists from the Southern Cameroons National Council who demonstrated Saturday. The official asked for anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to journalists.
Saturday was the 50th anniversary of British Cameroon's merger with the former French Cameroon.
The protest follows other recent unrest as Oct. 9 elections approach.
On Thursday, gunmen carrying signs opposing President Paul Biya blockaded a bridge and shot at police in the city of Douala.
Biya has ruled since 1982 and is widely expected to win another seven-year term in the West African nation.