/ 25 February 2008

Protesters paralyse Cameroon city, four killed

At least four people were killed in Cameroon’s economic capital, Douala, on Monday when protesters angry over the high cost of living barricaded streets in the port city, looted shops and clashed with riot police.

The violence in the teeming city, a stronghold of opposition to President Paul Biya’s 25-year rule, erupted after taxi drivers launched a strike to protest against petrol- and fuel-price hikes, which have pushed up prices of basic products.

Witnesses said riot police were firing into the air and firing tear gas to try to disperse groups of protesters and looters around Douala, one of Africa’s major west coast ports, which also ships cocoa from the world’s fourth biggest producer.

Using car tyres, refuse and furniture that they set ablaze, youths wielding clubs barricaded streets and roads across the city, blocking any movement of traffic.

Some shouted ”We’re fed up” and ”Things must change”.

Petrol stations and shops that refused to close were looted and several cars were burned, witnesses said. Soldiers were sent in to try to help police quell the violence.

Police said at least four people had been killed.

”Two persons were pulled out of their car and beaten to death at Bonaberi neighbourhood. One man was burned to death when the Douala Five Council was set ablaze and another young man suffocated after inhaling too much tear gas,” a senior police officer in Douala said.

The officer, who asked not to be named, said the governor of Littoral province where Douala is located was holding a crisis meeting.

Monday’s violence followed a clash in Douala on Saturday between police and opposition supporters protesting against a plan by Biya to extend his rule as president of Cameroon. At least one protester was shot dead on Saturday.

Protests have been growing in the oil-producing Central African country after Biya announced last month that his government would ”re-examine” the Constitution after what he said were popular calls for him to stay on past 2011.

The Constitution requires Biya, who was 75 on February 13 and has ruled for 25 years, to step down in 2011. — Reuters