By: Sunday Ameh
At least four people have been confirmed dead in Douala, Cameroon’s largest city, following violent clashes between police officers and opposition protesters ahead of the official announcement of the country’s presidential election results.
The unrest, which erupted on Sunday, saw hundreds of opposition supporters take to the streets, barricading major roads and burning tyres in protest over alleged irregularities that marred the October 12 polls.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos across several parts of Douala, including near the international airport and the volatile New Bell district, where security forces fired tear gas and live rounds to disperse demonstrators.
Local media said the protests began after rumours spread that incumbent President Paul Biya, who has ruled the Central African nation for more than four decades, was set to be declared the winner once again.
Human rights groups have raised alarm over what they describe as a heavy-handed response by security forces, warning that the situation could deteriorate further if transparency is not ensured in the vote tallying process.
Authorities have since deployed additional security personnel across major cities, including Yaoundé and Bafoussam, to prevent further escalation.
The Cameroonian electoral commission is expected to officially announce the results in the coming days.
However, opposition parties have already rejected preliminary figures, describing the election as “a charade designed to perpetuate dictatorship.”
Observers fear that the growing unrest could plunge the country into another cycle of political instability, especially given its history of post-election violence and deep regional divisions.
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