Violent clashes erupted in Douala, Cameroon’s largest city, where at least four individuals have lost their lives as protests erupted following the presidential election results. The protests were sparked by supporters of opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma, who alleged victory over the long-standing President Paul Biya in the October 12 elections. Reports indicate that demonstrators defied a ban on protests, taking to the streets and setting up barricades, as well as hurling rocks at police forces.
In response, law enforcement deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds. According to Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua, the regional governor, the demonstrators also targeted police stations, leading to injuries among several members of the security forces. The governor noted that the tragic loss of life included four individuals confirmed by Tchiroma’s campaign as victims of the unrest.
Preliminary election results, which have not yet been officially confirmed, suggest that Biya, aged 92 and in power since 1982, is on track to secure another seven-year term. However, Tchiroma has claimed to have won 54.8 percent of the votes, in stark opposition to Biya’s reported 31.3 percent. He has urged citizens to protest against what he describes as “falsified and distorted results” once the Constitutional Council officially announces the election outcomes.
The recent protests have expanded beyond Douala, with demonstrations reported in the capital, Yaounde, and several other cities, fueled by widespread discontent and frustration among the nation’s youth, who represent a significant portion of the population. Journalist Blaise Eyong highlighted this sentiment, attributing it to high unemployment rates and alleged electoral manipulation by Biya’s administration.
In the lead-up to the protests, tensions escalated when authorities detained approximately 30 politicians and activists allied with Tchiroma, exacerbating the already volatile situation. Cameroonian Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji confirmed arrests made in connection to what he referred to as an “insurrectional movement,” without disclosing specific details regarding the detained individuals.
As the nation grapples with the fallout of the elections and dangerous civil unrest, the situation remains dynamic. Citizens express growing anger and frustration in light of their day-to-day struggles and the perceived injustices within the political system. The handling of the election results and the potential for governmental change could be pivotal in shaping the future of Cameroon.