Deadly unrest grips Cameroon as election results spark anger
Cameroon has been thrown into turmoil after president Paul Biya, aged 92, was declared winner of the presidential election for a historic eighth term. The Constitutional Council announced he secured 53.66 percent of the vote. But the result has angered many across the country and sparked deadly protests.
In Douala, the economic capital, residents flooded the streets for a second day on Tuesday. Roads were blocked, fires lit and security forces fired live bullets. Shops and schools shut their doors as fear spread through neighbourhoods.
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“It crushed me,” said Max Ndongmo, a resident of Douala. “When I heard the results I almost broke my TV. What they are doing is hypocrisy. To this government I want to say I am sorry, but you need to stop.”
Armed forces have been deployed in several parts of the city after reports of pillaging and clashes.
Witnesses described chaos as people ran from gunfire and police cleared barricades. At least four people have been killed since Monday.
The unrest is not limited to Douala. In Yaounde heavy security has surrounded government buildings. In Garoua protests rattled the city before calm partially returned on Tuesday.
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Opposition candidates have rejected the outcome. Issa Tchiroma Bakary not only claimed victory himself but also reported gunfire near his home. Patricia Hermine Tomaino Ndam Njoya said the electoral process was “weakened and manipulated”. Cabral Libii, who came third, said he “took note” of the result but avoided mentioning Biya by name. He urged his supporters to turn their attention to upcoming local polls.
International reactions have been sharp. The European Union expressed “deep concern”, condemning what it called violent repression and calling for independent investigations. It demanded the release of “all persons arbitrarily detained since the election”. Diplomats from Europe, the United States and Canada pointedly stayed away from the results announcement.
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For many Cameroonians, the crisis highlights a deeper frustration. Biya has ruled since 1982 and shows no sign of leaving power. With anger rising and trust in the electoral system fading, the country faces a tense and uncertain road ahead.
