YAOUNDE, Cameroon — At least four people have been killed and dozens more arrested in violent protests across Cameroon ahead of the official announcement of the Paul Biya-dominated presidential election results, sparking fears of deeper instability in a country already on edge after the Oct. 12 vote.
Supporters of opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who claims he won the election, took to the streets of cities including Douala, Garoua and Maroua on Sunday, defying a protest ban. In Douala, the nation’s commercial hub, protesters barricaded roads, burned tyres and clashed with security forces, who responded with tear-gas, water cannons and live ammunition in some cases.
The unrest reflects mounting anger among segments of the population at Biya’s bid for another seven-year term. At 92, Biya is among the world’s oldest leaders and has been in power since 1982, prompting critics to accuse his government of entrenching authoritarian rule and manipulating the electoral process.
Tchiroma’s campaign team says he secured 54.8 percent of the vote, while the ruling party dismissed that figure as baseless. The official announcement by the Constitutional Council of Cameroon is expected imminently, with tensions peaking ahead of the verdict.
Authorities have responded with mass arrests. In Douala alone, more than 100 protesters were detained, per regional officials. Two prominent opposition figures, Anicet Ekane and Djeukam Tchameni, were also reported to be arrested ahead of the result announcement. Government officials described the protests as an “insurrectional movement” and warned that unrest would not be tolerated.
The violence erupted despite a government-imposed ban on gatherings and heightened security in key urban areas. In the northern city of Garoua, Tchiroma’s stronghold, young people expressed deep frustration over poverty, political marginalisation and what they see as a rigged system. Internet disruptions were also reported in several regions, limiting independent verification of events and raising further concern over transparency.
International observers warn that Cameroon is nearing a tipping point. Should the official results confirm Biya’s victory, the risk exists of further mass unrest, possible security-force overreach, and a legitimacy crisis for the government.
