Four killed in Cameroon protests as results due in contested election

At least four people have been killed during protests in Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital, as tensions rise ahead of the official announcement of results from a fiercely contested presidential election.

Regional Governor Samuel Dieudonné Diboua confirmed the deaths, saying police stations had come under attack and that security forces acted in self-defense. He described the unrest as “premeditated acts of violence” and a grave threat to public order and national security.

Hundreds of supporters of opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary defied a government ban to stage demonstrations in several cities, clashing with security personnel. The protesters insist that Tchiroma Bakary, not incumbent President Paul Biya, won the 12 October election. Biya, 92, has ruled Cameroon for 43 years, and his ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) has rejected the opposition’s claims of victory.

Governor Diboua said that, in addition to the fatalities, several security officers were injured during the unrest. He announced that investigations were underway to uncover the full circumstances of the violence and warned that organizers would face legal consequences.

In Garoua, Tchiroma Bakary’s stronghold in northern Cameroon, police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds accusing the CPDM of attempting to “steal the victory.” Protesters carried placards reading “We demand the truth of the ballot” and called on international figures, including U.S. President Donald Trump, for support.

Demonstrations also erupted in Douala, where protesters chanted “We want Tchiroma!” as they marched through the streets. The opposition leader had earlier urged his supporters at home and abroad to stage peaceful marches to “liberate Cameroon.”

Authorities have since banned public gatherings until Monday, when the Constitutional Council is expected to announce the official election results.

Tchiroma Bakary, 76, declared himself the “legal and legitimate president,” claiming he won about 55% of the vote based on results his team compiled from polling stations representing roughly 80% of the electorate. He refused to file a complaint with the Constitutional Council, saying its judges — appointed by President Biya — could not be impartial.

The council has already dismissed eight petitions alleging electoral irregularities, citing insufficient evidence or lack of jurisdiction. Opposition supporters, however, maintain that the vote was tainted by ballot-stuffing and other violations.

Tchiroma Bakary, a trained engineer who studied in France, was once an ally of Biya. He served as communications minister and government spokesperson from 2009 to 2019, staunchly defending the administration during crises such as the Boko Haram insurgency.

His relationship with Biya soured earlier this year when he resigned from the government and announced his candidacy for president, breaking from the man who has dominated Cameroon’s political landscape for over four decades.