By Hassan Osman Kargbo
At least four people have been killed during protests in Cameroon’s commercial capital, Douala, as tensions continue to rise ahead of the official announcement of results from the country’s hotly contested presidential election. The violence marks one of the most serious flare-ups since the October 12 vote, which has been marred by allegations of fraud and intimidation.
Regional governor Samuel Dieudonné Diboua confirmed the deaths on Sunday, saying that several police posts had come under attack from protesters. “Security forces acted in self-defense after being targeted by violent demonstrators,” he said in a statement, adding that calm had since been restored in parts of the city.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as crowds of opposition supporters poured onto the streets despite a government ban on public gatherings. Tear gas and live ammunition were reportedly used to disperse protesters, while shops and businesses in several neighborhoods were forced to close.
The protests were largely driven by supporters of opposition presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who has rejected preliminary reports suggesting that long-serving President Paul Biya is heading for another victory. Tchiroma Bakary insists he won the election and accused the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) of orchestrating widespread electoral fraud.
“This was not a free or fair election,” he told reporters in Yaoundé. “The will of the people is being ignored. We will not accept a stolen mandate.”
His supporters held demonstrations not only in Douala but also in other cities, including Bamenda and Bafoussam, demanding transparency and the publication of results from each polling station.
The government has dismissed Bakary’s claims as “baseless,” insisting that the electoral process was conducted lawfully under the supervision of the Constitutional Council. Officials have accused the opposition of attempting to destabilize the country and warned that further unrest will be met with “firm measures.”
President Paul Biya, who has ruled Cameroon for 43 years, is widely expected to secure another term once the official results are declared. His administration has faced mounting criticism at home and abroad over alleged human rights abuses, corruption, and its handling of the ongoing conflict in the English-speaking regions.
As the nation awaits the final results, tension remains high, particularly in opposition strongholds. Civil society groups have called for restraint, urging both the government and the opposition to prioritize dialogue to prevent further loss of life.
