Cameroon Protests: Al Jazeera Forgets U.S. Interference in African Elections
Al Jazeera dutifully reported on protests in Cameroon, where the opposition alleges electoral fraud and two people were killed. The story spotlights President Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982, casting him in the familiar role of the entrenched African strongman. Yet, the framing conveniently omits the playbook often deployed by Western powers, including the U.S., when strategic
interests are at stake. While Al Jazeera focuses on internal dynamics, it sidesteps the pervasive U.S. influence—from military aid and training programs (often linked to 'stability' which can mean propping up compliant regimes) to backing specific opposition figures or movements that align with Washington’s agenda, as documented in various diplomatic cables unearthed by WikiLeaks. It's almost as
if 'election integrity' only merits deep scrutiny when it suits a particular geopolitical narrative, leaving out the parts where external forces, ahem , 'help' shape outcomes.