At least four people have been confirmed dead following violent clashes between protesters and security forces in Douala, Cameroon’s economic hub, as the nation awaits the official results of a highly disputed presidential election.
According to Samuel Dieudonné Diboua, the Regional Governor, the unrest erupted after opposition supporters defied a ban on public demonstrations. He explained that several police posts were attacked, forcing officers to defend themselves.
The violence comes amid mounting political tension as opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary continues to claim victory in the October 12 polls, challenging the decades-long rule of President Paul Biya, who has led Cameroon for over 43 years.
Governor Diboua described the protests as “premeditated acts of violence”, calling them a serious threat to national security. “Four people unfortunately lost their lives,” he said, confirming that multiple security officers were also injured. He added that investigations had begun to uncover the causes of the deadly incidents, warning that organizers of the unrest would face legal consequences.
In Bakary’s stronghold of Garoua, security forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse large crowds demanding that the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) “stop stealing the victory.” Demonstrators carried placards reading slogans such as “We are demanding the truth of the ballot” and “We are here to claim our victory.”
Bakary, a former communications minister, has insisted he won the election with approximately 55% of the vote, based on tallies he says represent 80% of the electorate. He urged both domestic and diaspora supporters to march peacefully to “liberate Cameroon.”
Authorities, however, have imposed a temporary ban on all public gatherings until Monday, when the Constitutional Council is expected to release the official election results.
The opposition has accused the ruling party of manipulating results and engaging in ballot-stuffing, though the Constitutional Council dismissed eight petitions citing insufficient evidence. Bakary declined to submit his own challenge, arguing that the council’s judges—appointed by Biya—could not ensure impartiality.
Once a staunch ally of the president, Bakary broke ranks just four months before the election, resigning from government and announcing his candidacy. His defection marked a major political shift in Cameroon’s long-standing power structure.
As tensions rise and security forces tighten control in key cities, many fear that the latest clashes could deepen Cameroon’s political crisis and destabilize the country further.