Paul Biya

Cameroon opposition candidate smiles during a news conference at his headquarters in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Cameroon opposition candidate Maurice Kamto declares victory despite ruling party's denial

"I invite the outgoing president to organize a peaceful way to transfer power," Kamto, who leads the Movement for the Rebirth of Cameroon (MRC), told a news conference on Monday in the capital Yaoundė. The election, marred by low turnout and isolated incidents of unrest in separatist Anglophone regions, has been widely expected to extend Biya's 36-year rule as one of Africa's last multi-decade leaders. Yet, Kamto declared an early victory, a move the ruling party claims is illegal.

Cameroon opposition candidate Maurice Kamto declares victory despite ruling party's denial