DOUALA: Violent protests erupted across Cameroon’s major cities on Sunday as opposition supporters clashed with police a day before the official announcement of the presidential election results.
Hundreds of demonstrators barricaded roads and burned tyres in Douala, demanding that opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary be declared the winner of the October 12 vote. They accused authorities of preparing to rig the results in favour of long-time President Paul Biya, who has ruled the country since 1982.
Police fired teargas and water cannon to disperse crowds in Douala’s New Bell neighbourhood as protesters chanted “We want Tchiroma!” and threw stones at security forces. At least four people were reported killed and several injured in the clashes, according to opposition sources.
Tchiroma’s campaign said about 30 politicians and activists supporting his candidacy were detained, including MANIDEM party leader Anicet Ekane and Union for Change member Djeukam Tchameni. Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji confirmed arrests linked to what he described as an “insurrectional movement,” without giving details.
Partial results broadcast by local media suggest Biya, 92, is on course to secure another seven-year term, extending his rule to nearly half a century. The government has denied opposition claims of irregularities and urged citizens to await the official results.
Tchiroma, a former minister and ex-Biya ally, has declared victory and vowed not to accept any other outcome. His supporters insist he won a clear mandate and accuse the electoral body of collusion.
Protests have spread to Tchiroma’s northern strongholds of Garoua and Maroua, where residents have also reported internet restrictions and heavy police presence.
The National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon has appealed for calm and transparency as the Constitutional Council prepares to announce the final results.
-Bate Felix
