A young teacher was shot dead in Garoua on Tuesday as protests turned violent while Cameroon awaits the official announcement of presidential election results. The killing marks the first reported casualty linked to the post-election chaos that has gripped the country.
The victim, identified as Zouhairatou Hassana, was reportedly hit by a bullet fired by a police officer during a confrontation between protesters and security forces.
Witnesses told The Africa Standard that Hassana was not participating in the protests but was caught in the crossfire while returning home from work.
“She was a kind and peaceful person. We are devastated,” said a neighbour, adding that the incident happened near a government building where demonstrators had gathered.
Protesters in Garoua have been calling for transparency in the release of the election results, which have been delayed amid growing political tension.
Cameroon’s National Election Commission has released preliminary figures showing President Paul Biya in the lead with just over 53 percent of the vote. Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma reportedly secured 35.19 percent.
The final results are expected to be officially announced on Thursday, October 23.
The election has been marred by accusations of fraud, voter intimidation, and suppression of opposition supporters.
Reports indicate that security forces have increased patrols in major cities, including Yaoundé and Douala, to prevent further unrest.
Tchiroma has rejected the preliminary results and accused the ruling party of manipulating the electoral process.
In an exclusive report obtained by The Africa Standard, sources close to the government claimed that President Biya privately offered Tchiroma the position of prime minister before the final results were announced.
Tchiroma is said to have turned down the offer, insisting that he had rightfully won the presidency.
“We will not trade the will of the people for political favors,” Tchiroma reportedly told his campaign team.
The opposition leader has vowed to continue his peaceful campaign for what he calls “electoral justice” and urged his supporters to remain calm.
President Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, is facing one of the most serious challenges to his leadership in decades.
Critics accuse him of clinging to power and using state institutions to maintain control over the country’s political landscape.
International observers have expressed concern over the growing unrest and urged the Cameroonian authorities to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process.
Human rights organizations have also condemned the excessive use of force by security personnel against demonstrators.
The Ministry of Communication has called for patience and assured citizens that the election commission will release accurate results in due time.
Political analysts say the violence in Garoua underscores the deep divisions in Cameroonian society after decades of centralized rule.
“This incident shows that people have lost faith in the system,” said political analyst Joseph Nkwenti. “The government must act quickly to restore confidence or risk a wider crisis.”
Zouhairatou Hassana’s death has sparked outrage across social media, with citizens demanding accountability from the police.
Her family has called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her killing.
As Cameroon awaits the official results on Thursday, many fear that further violence could erupt if the opposition refuses to accept the outcome.
For now, the streets of Garoua remain tense, with residents mourning the loss of a young teacher whose death has become a symbol of the country’s political turmoil.
