Internet access in Cameroon is significantly disrupted as protests continue over alleged irregularities in this month’s presidential election, Internet monitor NetBlocks said on Thursday.
“We can confirm a significant, ongoing disruption to internet connectivity in Cameroon which may limit coverage of events on the ground,” NetBlocks said in an email to Reuters.
Cameroon’s constitutional council on Wednesday threw out all petitions contesting the October 12 presidential election, clearing the way for full results to be announced.
Paul Biya, the world’s oldest ruler at 92, is widely expected to maintain his 43-year grip on power despite an energised opposition pushing for change.
Issa Tchiroma, a former Biya ally now in opposition, has claimed on his official campaign page that he won the election with 54.8% of votes based on results representing 80% of the electorate.
Protests flared in several cities after partial election results reported by local media showed Biya was on course to be declared the winner.
Clashes broke out between security forces and opposition supporters in the northern cities of Maroua and Garoua.
The government has rejected allegations of vote-rigging, and has urged people to wait for the results.
Another seven-year term could keep him in power until he is nearly a hundred years old.
On Wednesday, clashes broke out between security forces and Tchiroma supporters in the northern cities of Maroua and Garoua.
In Garoua, videos shared online showed protesters walking with signs and driving motorbikes while chanting Tchiroma’s name and honking. Reuters has not authenticated the videos.
On Tuesday, a teacher was killed after she was hit by stray bullets during similar protests in Garoua, members of her family told local media. The University of Garoua has suspended classes until Friday as a precautionary measure.
In Maroua in the Far North region, protesters clashed with security officers who threw tear gas canisters on Wednesday.
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