News / Africa
40 arrests in Southern Cameroon separatist demonstration
02 Oct 2011 at 08:03hrs | Views
A separatist demonstration in southern Cameroon has led to more than 40 arrests, only 8 days before the country's presidential election.
Separatists with the Southern Cameroon National Council (SCNC) marched in Buea Saturday, marking 50 years since English-speaking Cameroon was merged with French-speaking Cameroon.
The SCNC wants independence for Cameroon's English-speaking minority, but an official in Buea, who asked not to be named, said the gathering was unauthorized.
Tensions have been rising in Cameroon, where people are set to go to the polls October 9.
Incumbent President Paul Biya has ruled Cameroon for almost 30 years and is widely expected to win another term in office. On Thursday, gunmen carrying signs opposing Mr. Biya opened fire in the city of Douala in an apparent protest.
Separatists with the Southern Cameroon National Council (SCNC) marched in Buea Saturday, marking 50 years since English-speaking Cameroon was merged with French-speaking Cameroon.
The SCNC wants independence for Cameroon's English-speaking minority, but an official in Buea, who asked not to be named, said the gathering was unauthorized.
Tensions have been rising in Cameroon, where people are set to go to the polls October 9.
Incumbent President Paul Biya has ruled Cameroon for almost 30 years and is widely expected to win another term in office. On Thursday, gunmen carrying signs opposing Mr. Biya opened fire in the city of Douala in an apparent protest.
Source - VOA
