Cameroon’s commercial capital, Douala, has erupted in violent protests after 92-year-old President Paul Biya was declared winner of the October 12 presidential election, securing his eighth term in power.
Hundreds of opposition supporters stormed the streets, accusing Biya’s government of rigging the vote to extend his 42-year rule.
Witnesses said demonstrators barricaded roads, burned tyres, and hurled stones at police as chaos spread across the city.
Security forces responded with tear gas and water cannons, sparking violent clashes that left at least four people dead and several police officers injured, according to Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua, the Governor of the Littoral region.
He confirmed that protesters attacked two police stations in Douala’s second and sixth districts, prompting what authorities described as a “necessary security response.”
Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, whose supporters defied a government protest ban, insists he won the election with 54.8 percent of the vote, compared to Biya’s 31.3 percent.
Tchiroma accused the ruling party of falsifying and distorting results, calling the election “an assault on democracy.” He urged Cameroonians to “resist peacefully” and defend their votes.
However, the government dismissed all allegations of fraud, urging citizens to remain calm until the Constitutional Council publishes official results.
Tensions worsened as authorities arrested around 30 opposition activists, 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, condemned the demonstrations, describing them as an “insurrectional movement.”
He warned that the state would not tolerate any attempt to destabilize the nation.
Eyewitnesses in Douala reported military vehicles patrolling streets, with residents fleeing as clashes intensified.
Internet access was reportedly restricted in several major cities, but young protesters continued mobilizing online.
Local journalist Blaise Eyong, reporting for Al Jazeera, said anger among youths is boiling over after decades of hardship and broken promises.
“You can really feel the frustration,” Eyong said. “Many believe they have no future under this government.”
Protests have also spread to Yaoundé, Garoua, Maroua, Bertoua, and Bafoussam, as citizens reject what they call Biya’s illegitimate return to power.
President Biya, who has ruled since 1982, remains Africa’s oldest head of state.
His new seven-year term could see him remain in office until he is nearly 100 years old.
Tchiroma, a former ally turned rival, vowed to continue his fight, saying, “The people’s will must be respected. We will not accept any other result.”