Clashes Erupt in Cameroon Over Paul Biya’s Re-election; Four Protesters Reportedly Killed

Violent protests have erupted across Cameroon following the announcement of President Paul Biya’s re-election victory, with reports indicating that four people were killed during clashes with security forces on Sunday. The demonstrations saw protesters take to the streets in major cities, including Douala, Garoua, and Maroua, demanding credible results from the presidential election held on October 12.

The 92-year-old President Biya, who has been in power since 1982, was declared the winner by the Constitutional Council, securing 53.66% of the vote. His closest competitor, former ally Issa Tchiroma Bakary, received 35.19%. The announcement was immediately met with anger from opposition supporters who widely alleged that the government had manipulated the electoral process.

Dependable NG reports that the unrest led to the arrest of over 100 protesters in Douala, the nation’s economic hub, according to local officials. Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua, the Governor of the Littoral Region, also confirmed that multiple security officers were injured during the confrontations. Online videos documented security personnel deploying tear gas and attempting to disperse the crowds, who had set up barricades on major roads.

The opposition continues to insist that the election was riddled with irregularities, including the disqualification of Biya’s strongest rival. Mr. Bakary had prematurely declared himself the winner days before the official results were released, citing figures allegedly gathered by his party. An opposition supporter, 27-year-old Oumarou Bouba from Maroua, expressed the intense frustration of many, stating, “I am ready to stake my life to defend my vote. I voted for Tchiroma because I want change.” Local media had earlier reported that at least two demonstrators were killed when security forces opened fire to disperse the protests.