Hundreds of opposition supporters took to the streets of Douala, Cameroon’s commercial capital, on Sunday, barricading roads and setting tyres ablaze as tensions mounted ahead of the official announcement of the presidential election results.
Security forces responded with teargas and water cannons to disperse crowds backing opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma, who insists he defeated long-serving President Paul Biya in the October 12 election.
Protesters accused authorities of attempting to manipulate the outcome in favour of Biya, chanting, “We want Tchiroma! We want Tchiroma!” as they blocked major roads with debris in Douala’s New Bell neighbourhood. Witnesses said some demonstrators threw stones and other projectiles at police, who arrested at least four people during the clashes.
Unrest was also reported in Garoua, Tchiroma’s hometown, and in several other cities across the country.
Opposition leaders detained as tensions rise
Tchiroma’s campaign manager claimed that about 30 opposition politicians and activists were detained in the lead-up to the results announcement, including Anicet Ekane, leader of the MANIDEM party, and Djeukam Tchameni, a key member of the Union for Change movement.
The government confirmed that arrests were made but described the situation as an “insurrectional movement.” Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji declined to specify how many people were detained or to provide their identities.
Biya holds firm amid claims of election rigging
Partial results broadcast by local media suggest Paul Biya, aged 92, is on track to secure another term extending his more than four decades in power since 1982. If confirmed, this victory would make Biya one of the world’s longest-serving and oldest heads of state, potentially keeping him in office until he nears 100 years old.
Tchiroma, a former minister and ex-ally of Biya, has rejected any outcome that does not declare him the winner, vowing not to accept “any manipulated result.”
Government urges calm
Authorities have urged citizens to remain patient and wait for the official results, warning against acts of violence and unrest. However, opposition supporters continue to insist that their victory is being stolen.
The growing tensions highlight the deep political divisions in Cameroon as the nation awaits the final verdict in one of its most contentious elections in decades.
