Protests Erupt in Cameroon as Four Die Following Election Tensions

Clashes between security forces and protesters in Cameroon resulted in at least four deaths as opposition supporters demanded credible outcomes from the recent presidential election. The unrest unfolded ahead of the announcement of final results by the country’s constitutional council, intensifying tensions amongst the electorate.

Following the October 12 election, supporters of opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary took to the streets on Sunday in various cities, including Douala, Garoua, and Maroua. The demonstrations stemmed from allegations of electoral fraud, with Bakary claiming he defeated President Paul Biya, who has been in power for over four decades.

According to Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua, the governor of the Littoral Region, four protesters were killed in Douala during clashes that erupted when demonstrators attacked police stations and security forces. The governor reported that over 100 individuals were arrested during these protests. Eyewitness accounts and local media indicated that security forces used live ammunition, resulting in at least two fatalities among the protesters.

Videos shared on social media depicted chaotic scenes, with security personnel deploying tear gas to disperse crowds that had barricaded major roadways. The unrest led to further arrests of opposition supporters, activists, and party leaders in the days leading up to the election results.

The government has responded to the unrest by detaining individuals accused of planning violent actions. Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji confirmed this during a press briefing on Saturday, stating that the authorities were taking measures to maintain order.

Protester Oumarou Bouba, a 27-year-old trader from Maroua, expressed his determination: “I am ready to stake my life to defend my vote. I voted for Tchiroma because I want change.” His sentiments reflect the growing frustration among the youth and opposition supporters who have been vocal against Biya’s extended tenure.

The political climate in Cameroon has been fraught with tension, particularly among the younger population, who are disillusioned by Biya’s decision to seek reelection at the age of 92. Accusations of electoral manipulation have persisted, with claims that the government disqualified leading opposition figures and utilized state resources to sway the election results.

As the nation awaits the constitutional council’s final decision, the situation remains volatile, with many fearing further violence and unrest. The international community is closely monitoring developments in Cameroon, where the consequences of this electoral dispute could have lasting implications for the country’s stability.