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Demonstrations in Cameroon result in four deaths
(MENAFN) At least four people have died in protests across Cameroon’s economic hub, Douala, as the country awaits official results from a hotly contested presidential vote. Authorities report that police posts were attacked, prompting security forces to defend themselves.
Hundreds of supporters of opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary defied a protest ban in multiple cities, clashing with law enforcement. Tchiroma Bakary, who has insisted he won the 12 October election, challenges incumbent President Paul Biya, who has held power for 43 years. The ruling party, CPDM, rejected these claims.
Regional governor Samuel Dieudonné Diboua condemned the unrest as "premeditated acts of violence" that threaten public order and national security. "Four people unfortunately lost their lives," he said, adding that some security personnel were also injured. "Investigations have been opened, so that light can be shed on these unfortunate incidents," he added, warning that the instigators would face consequences.
In Garoua, Tchiroma Bakary’s northern stronghold, security forces deployed tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators protesting what they described as an attempt by the CPDM to "steal the victory" from the opposition. Protesters carried placards demanding transparency in the vote, with one calling on US President Donald Trump for assistance. "We are here to claim our victory. We are making a peaceful march, which is a civil right for all Cameroonians - for everyone," another demonstrator stated.
Support also erupted in Douala, with chants of "We want Tchiroma, we want Tchiroma."
According to reports, Tchiroma Bakary declared he had secured roughly 55% of the vote based on returns from 80% of polling stations, despite being barred from filing formal complaints with the constitutional council, whose judges were appointed by Biya.
Born in Garoua, the 76-year-old former minister and engineer previously supported Biya, defending his government during crises such as the Boko Haram insurgency. In June, however, he resigned from his ministerial post and launched a presidential bid against the long-serving president, dramatically shifting from loyalist to challenger.
Hundreds of supporters of opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary defied a protest ban in multiple cities, clashing with law enforcement. Tchiroma Bakary, who has insisted he won the 12 October election, challenges incumbent President Paul Biya, who has held power for 43 years. The ruling party, CPDM, rejected these claims.
Regional governor Samuel Dieudonné Diboua condemned the unrest as "premeditated acts of violence" that threaten public order and national security. "Four people unfortunately lost their lives," he said, adding that some security personnel were also injured. "Investigations have been opened, so that light can be shed on these unfortunate incidents," he added, warning that the instigators would face consequences.
In Garoua, Tchiroma Bakary’s northern stronghold, security forces deployed tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators protesting what they described as an attempt by the CPDM to "steal the victory" from the opposition. Protesters carried placards demanding transparency in the vote, with one calling on US President Donald Trump for assistance. "We are here to claim our victory. We are making a peaceful march, which is a civil right for all Cameroonians - for everyone," another demonstrator stated.
Support also erupted in Douala, with chants of "We want Tchiroma, we want Tchiroma."
According to reports, Tchiroma Bakary declared he had secured roughly 55% of the vote based on returns from 80% of polling stations, despite being barred from filing formal complaints with the constitutional council, whose judges were appointed by Biya.
Born in Garoua, the 76-year-old former minister and engineer previously supported Biya, defending his government during crises such as the Boko Haram insurgency. In June, however, he resigned from his ministerial post and launched a presidential bid against the long-serving president, dramatically shifting from loyalist to challenger.
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