At least four people have died in Cameroon’s largest city, Douala, as violent clashes erupted between police and opposition protesters ahead of the official announcement of presidential election results. The fatalities highlight the growing political unrest in the country as citizens await confirmation of a contentious vote.

The unrest broke out after hundreds of supporters of opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma – who claims to have won the October 12 election – defied a government-imposed protest ban. Protesters took to the streets, barricading roads, burning tires, and throwing stones and other objects at security forces, according to Reuters.

In response, police deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators. Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua, the governor of the region including Douala, confirmed to AFP that protesters had attacked police stations in the city’s second and sixth districts. Several officers were wounded, and four civilians tragically lost their lives, a figure also confirmed by Tchiroma’s campaign team.

Opposition Claims Victory Against Longtime President

The protests come amid claims by Issa Tchiroma that he won 54.8 percent of the vote, defeating President Paul Biya, who reportedly received 31.3 percent. Biya, 92, is seeking an unprecedented eighth term in office, making him the world’s oldest serving head of state.

Tchiroma has called for citizens to protest if the Constitutional Council announces “falsified and distorted results,” fueling tensions across Cameroon. The government, however, has dismissed allegations of irregularities, urging citizens to wait for official results expected on Monday.

Widespread Protests Across the Country

Protests have spread beyond Douala to cities including Yaounde, Garoua, Maroua, Meiganga, Bafang, Bertoua, Kousseri, Yagoua, Kaele, and Bafoussam. In Garoua, demonstrators burned barricades in a show of opposition anger ahead of the announcement of election results.

Journalist Blaise Eyong reported from Douala that the nation’s youth – who make up the majority of Cameroon’s population – are particularly “furious” over what they perceive as electoral manipulation by Biya’s camp. High youth unemployment has compounded frustrations, fueling widespread anger and mass mobilization despite government restrictions, including recent internet blackouts.

Political Detentions Heighten Tensions

Authorities have detained approximately 30 politicians and activists supporting Tchiroma, including Anicet Ekane, leader of the MANIDEM party, and Djeukam Tchameni, a prominent Union for Change figure. Cameroonian Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, described the arrests as connected to an “insurrectional movement,” though he did not provide exact details.

Paul Biya’s Extended Rule

President Paul Biya has ruled Cameroon since 1982. A successful eighth term could extend his leadership until he is nearly 100 years old, a prospect that has fueled both domestic and international scrutiny. Tchiroma, a former minister and former Biya ally, has publicly rejected any outcome that does not confirm his claimed victory, setting the stage for continued unrest.

Outlook

As Cameroon awaits the Constitutional Council’s official announcement, the country faces a critical moment. Political tensions, widespread protests, and youth mobilization underscore the fragility of Cameroon’s democratic processes and the potential for escalating unrest if the results are contested.