afrol News, 26 February - A general strike by Cameroonian taxi drivers in the commercial city of Douala turned violent, resulting to the shooting to death of seven people by soldiers.

The strike, which was prompted by high fuel prices, soon turned violent after irate youths joined the fray.

The situation became so tense that soldiers were deployed to help police contain the strikers.

It came at a time when most Cameroonians are angered over the government's plans to alter the constitution to allow President Paul Biya to contest in the 2011 elections.

Biya, who has been in power since 1982, said a constitutional amendment would be in line with Cameroonians' desire to see him back in office after his mandate expires three years later.

Cameroonians used the strike to express their anger against the way the country is being run and high cost of living.

The strike was also a response to the "illegal closure" of a popular private television station, 'Equinoxe' by Cameroonian authorities last week. The station was believed to have been shut down for criticising the government's proposed constitutional change plans through its rubberstamping parliament.

State media reported that shootings were sparked off by stone-throwing protesters.

The government is said to be holding talks with transport unionists and strikers in a bid to resolve the crisis.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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