Cameroon is gripped by unrest following the controversial re-election of 92-year-old President Paul Biya, who was declared the winner of the October 12 presidential vote, securing a historic eighth term in office.
The announcement triggered widespread protests in Douala, the country’s commercial hub, and beyond.
Hundreds of opposition supporters flooded the streets, accusing Biya’s regime of electoral fraud aimed at prolonging his 43-year rule. Demonstrators erected barricades, set tyres ablaze, and clashed with police, who responded with tear gas and water cannons. According to Littoral Governor Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua, at least four civilians were killed and several officers injured in the chaos. Protesters also targeted police stations in Douala’s second and sixth districts, prompting what officials called a “necessary security response.”
Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former government minister who turned rival, claimed victory with 54.8% of the vote, sharply contradicting Biya’s official tally of 53.66%. Tchiroma denounced the results as a “democratic assault” and urged citizens to resist peacefully.
The government rejected all allegations of vote tampering and called for calm until the Constitutional Council’s final declaration. Nonetheless, tensions escalated as authorities arrested around 30 opposition figures, including Anicet Ekane of the MANIDEM party and Djeukam Tchameni from the Union for Change.
Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji labeled the protests an “insurrectional movement” and warned against any attempts to destabilize the nation. Military vehicles were seen patrolling Douala’s streets, and internet access was reportedly restricted in several cities.
Despite the crackdown, youth-led mobilization continued online. Journalist Blaise Eyong, reporting for Al Jazeera, described the atmosphere as one of deep frustration. “Many believe they have no future under this government,” he said.
The unrest has spread to other cities including Yaoundé, Garoua, Maroua, Bertoua, and Bafoussam, as citizens reject what they see as Biya’s illegitimate hold on power. If he completes his new seven-year term, Biya will remain in office until nearly 100 years old, cementing his status as Africa’s oldest head of state.
Tchiroma remains defiant: “The people’s will must be respected. We will not accept any other result.”
