At least four people were killed by gunfire during opposition-led protests in Cameroon’s commercial capital, Douala, on Sunday, the campaign team of presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma said.
The demonstrations erupted a day before the official results of the October 12 presidential election are due to be announced. Tchiroma, who is challenging longtime President Paul Biya, called the protests to demand that the electoral commission respect what he described as “the people’s will.”
Witnesses reported heavy police presence in Douala’s Akwa and Deido districts, where security forces were seen firing live rounds to disperse demonstrators.
Authorities have not confirmed the death toll, and government officials were not immediately available for comment.
Biya, 91, has ruled Cameroon since 1982 and is Africa’s second-longest-serving leader. His government has faced growing criticism over alleged electoral irregularities, corruption, and its handling of separatist unrest in the country’s English-speaking regions.
Provisional results released by some local observers suggest a tight race, though the official tally from the National Elections Commission is expected on Monday.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
