Cameroonians have taken to the street of the commercial capital, Douala, to protest against 92-year-old President Paul Biya, who they accuse of rigging the country’s October 12 election to secure an eighth term in power.
The violence erupted when hundreds of opposition supporters took to the streets, accusing Biya’s government of manipulating results in the country’s October 12 presidential election.
Security forces reportedly fired tear gas and used water cannons to disperse protesters who had barricaded roads, burned tyres, and hurled stones at police.
The governor of the Littoral region, Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua, confirmed that four people had died and several police officers were injured during the clashes.
READ MORE: World’s Oldest Serving Head of State, Paul Biya Wins Disputed 8th Term in Cameroon at Age 92
He said protesters attacked two police stations in Douala’s second and sixth districts, prompting a forceful response from security operatives.
The opposition candidate, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, whose supporters defied a government protest ban, insists he won the election with 54.8 percent of the votes compared to Biya’s 31.3 percent.
Tchiroma has accused the authorities of “falsified and distorted results” and called on citizens to resist what he described as an assault on democracy.
The government has dismissed the allegations of fraud, urging Cameroonians to remain calm until the Constitutional Council releases official results.
Tensions escalated further after reports that around 30 opposition figures and activists were arrested, including Anicet Ekane of the MANIDEM party and Djeukam Tchameni from the Union for Change movement.
Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, described the protests as an “insurrectional movement,” warning that the state would not tolerate attempts to destabilise the country.
In Douala, eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with military vehicles patrolling major streets and residents fleeing violent clashes.
READ MORE: Cameroon’s President Paul Biya Declares Bid for Eighth Term Amid Outcry Over Prolonged Rule
One protester, Max Ndongmo, told reporters he was “crushed” after hearing Biya had been declared the winner, adding, “What they are doing and have been doing is just hypocrisy. To this government, I want to say, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, but you need to stop.”
Local journalists say internet access has been restricted in several cities, but that has not stopped young people from organising further protests.
Blaise Eyong, a journalist reporting from Douala, told Al Jazeera that frustration among young Cameroonians is deep, especially with high unemployment and decades of unfulfilled promises.
“You can really see the frustration and anger when you talk to young people,” Eyong said.
Protests have also been reported in Yaoundé, Garoua, Maroua, Bertoua, and Bafoussam as citizens reject what they call Biya’s illegitimate return to power.
Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, remains Africa’s oldest leader in power, and his new seven-year mandate could keep him governing until nearly 100 years old.
Tchiroma, once an ally of Biya, has vowed not to accept any other result, saying the people’s will must be respected.
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