CONTINENTAL DRIFT

Crackdown in Nigeria

Nigeria has deployed a special security force to Kaduna State in the north, following days of violence that have left at least 55 people dead. According to Reuters, the clashes were between Muslims and Christians. A curfew has been imposed on Kaduna town and the security force has permission to carry out stop-and-search patrols, raid suspected criminal hideouts and make arrests.

Running home

Ethiopian runner and 2016 Olympic silver medalist Feyisa Lilesa has returned home after spending two years in exile in the United States. At the end of one of his races at the Rio Olympics, Lilesa crossed his wrists above his head in a show of defiance against the government. Commenting on the new administration, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Lilesa said: “There has been quite a change in the country,” observing that people now have the freedom to voice their opinions.

Cameroon election farce

Election results are finally in and Cameroonian President Paul Biya has won yet another term with a landslide victory. This will be his seventh term in office. His first began in 1982. The 85-yearold won 71.3% of the votes in a poll marked by violence, allegations of fraud, low turnout and the opposition calling for the results to be declared invalid.

The Constitutional Council rejected a total of 18 complaints of fraud and irregularities brought before it.

MDC ‘victory’ warning