Cameroon is witnessing a wave of nationwide protests as supporters of opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary take to the streets demanding recognition of what they call his rightful victory in the recent presidential election. The unrest has spread rapidly from the economic capital Douala to several other cities across the country, raising fears of escalating violence ahead of the official release of election results.
The demonstrations began early Sunday in Douala, where hundreds of protesters gathered in the New Bell and Akwa neighborhoods chanting pro-Tchiroma slogans and holding placards demanding “electoral truth.”
Witnesses told The Africa Standard that police and gendarmerie forces moved in quickly to disperse the crowds using tear gas and live ammunition. Two protesters were reportedly shot while several others sustained injuries and were rushed to local hospitals.
Tensions intensified as videos shared on social media showed police chasing demonstrators through narrow streets, prompting more residents to join in solidarity. By afternoon, protests had spread to other major cities including Garoua, Maroua, Meinganga, Kaélé, and Bertoua.
In Garoua, a northern stronghold of Tchiroma Bakary, thousands of supporters marched carrying Cameroonian flags and chanting “Tchiroma is our president.” Security forces reportedly used water cannons to control the crowds as clashes erupted near the main market.
The opposition leader’s supporters accuse the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) of manipulating the vote count in favor of long-time incumbent President Paul Biya, who has ruled the Central African nation for 43 years.
Tchiroma Bakary, a former minister who broke away from Biya’s government earlier this year, declared victory shortly after the October 12 election, claiming he secured 55 percent of the vote based on returns collected from polling stations across the country.
His declaration was swiftly dismissed by the ruling party as illegal, with government officials insisting that only the Constitutional Council has the authority to proclaim official results.
The protests have since taken on a broader tone, with demonstrators calling for an end to what they describe as decades of authoritarian rule and electoral fraud.
“We voted for change and they are trying to steal it from us,” said Clarisse Ngassa, a university student protesting in Douala. “This time we will not be silent. We want justice and the truth.”
As the unrest spread, the regional governor of Littoral, Samuel Dieudonné Diboua, condemned the demonstrations as “premeditated acts of violence” aimed at destabilizing the country. He warned that security forces would take firm action against anyone threatening public order.
Local media reported that police posts in some neighborhoods of Douala were attacked by angry protesters, prompting authorities to tighten security around government buildings and electoral offices.
Opposition leaders in the cities of Ngaoundéré and Yaoundé have urged restraint, calling on supporters to protest peacefully and avoid confrontations with security forces.
In an audio message posted on social media, Tchiroma Bakary reiterated his call for calm but maintained that the people had a constitutional right to demand the truth. “Our fight is peaceful. Cameroon belongs to all of us and we will not allow our will to be stolen,” he said.
Civil society groups have urged dialogue between the government and opposition leaders to prevent the crisis from spiraling out of control. The National Human Rights Observatory warned that excessive use of force by security agencies could inflame tensions further.
Reports from hospitals in Douala and Garoua confirmed multiple admissions of injured protesters, with medical staff appealing for blood donations as clashes continue.
The Africa Standard observed that businesses remained closed in parts of Douala, while public transport was suspended in key areas due to roadblocks and police patrols.
Political analysts say the protests mark one of the most serious challenges to President Biya’s rule in recent years. “The population is expressing deep frustration after decades of limited political space,” said Dr. Nicodemus Minde, a regional governance expert.
The Constitutional Council is expected to announce the final results on Monday, but with tensions high, many fear the declaration could trigger further unrest.
Tchiroma’s supporters have vowed to continue their protests until what they describe as the “true results” are made public. “We will stay in the streets until our victory is recognized,” said one demonstrator in Bertoua.
Meanwhile, international observers have expressed concern over the handling of the protests, urging the Cameroonian government to guarantee citizens’ right to peaceful assembly.
Human rights groups have also called for independent investigations into reports of live fire being used against demonstrators.
Despite the growing crisis, government officials maintain that the situation is under control and have urged the public to await the official results peacefully.
As night fell on Sunday, sporadic clashes continued in parts of Douala and Garoua, with the sound of tear gas canisters and gunfire echoing through the streets. The outcome of Monday’s announcement could determine whether the protests subside or ignite a wider confrontation across Cameroon.
