Protests have erupted in Cameroon’s economic capital, Douala, after opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary rejected President Paul Biya’s re-election, calling on his supporters to “resist until the final victory.”
Civil society groups reported multiple deaths and arrests as tensions flared across the country.
Biya, 92, the world’s oldest serving head of state, was declared the winner of the October 12 election on Monday, extending his 43-year rule over the cocoa- and oil-producing Central African nation.
Opposition groups have accused the government of massive electoral fraud and the use of state institutions to secure Biya’s continued grip on power.
On Wednesday, protesters returned to Douala’s streets, where debris and burnt tyres still littered the roads after several days of unrest. According to the civil society group Stand Up for Cameroon, at least 23 people have been killed since the weekend as security forces cracked down on demonstrators.
The group also reported that dozens of civilians were detained and held in what it described as “inhumane” conditions.
“The lawyers’ testimonies describe swollen faces, bruises, and humiliating treatment inflicted on citizens who sought to exercise their constitutional rights,” the organization said in a statement.
Reuters could not independently verify the death toll or the reports of mistreatment, and government officials have not commented on the allegations.
In a televised address on Tuesday night, Tchiroma claimed victory in the disputed poll, declaring that “the truth of the ballot is clear.” He added, “We won this election by a large majority.
This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to the Cameroonian people. We remain united, mobilised and will continue to resist until the final victory.”
The Constitutional Council confirmed Biya’s win earlier this week, a decision that is final and not subject to appeal.
Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji accused Tchiroma of inciting unrest by prematurely declaring victory and encouraging “rebellion” through social media.
“This irresponsible candidate, driven by the desire to disrupt public order, issued repeated calls inciting civil unrest,” Nji said, alleging that small groups of protesters, “often under the influence of drugs,” looted shops and burned public buildings, though he provided no evidence to support the claim.
Authorities said over 200 people have been arrested in connection with the protests, while several security personnel were injured and “attackers killed” during clashes.
Videos circulating online appeared to show soldiers loading an inert body onto a military truck as protesters chanted, “Give back the corpse,” but Reuters was unable to verify the footage.
As businesses in Douala slowly reopened on Wednesday, traffic remained thin and tension palpable.
With Biya’s victory confirmed and opposition anger mounting, Cameroon faces one of its most volatile moments in years, a stark reminder of the growing frustration with a regime that has ruled for more than four decades.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
