At least four people have been killed by gunfire in Cameroon as opposition supporters took to the streets on Sunday, a day before the official announcement of the country’s presidential election results.
According to the campaign team of opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma, the victims were shot during violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces in Douala, Cameroon’s commercial capital.
Hundreds of Tchiroma’s supporters reportedly barricaded major roads and burned tyres, accusing authorities of plotting to rig the October 12 presidential election in favour of the incumbent, President Paul Biya, who has ruled the country since 1982.
Security forces responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesters, while a police vehicle was set ablaze amid the chaos.
Similar demonstrations were reported in Yaounde, Garoua, Maroua, Meiganga, Bafang, Bertoua, Kousseri, Yagoua, Kaele, and Bafoussam, as opposition supporters claimed that Tchiroma had won the election based on preliminary results circulated by local media.
Chanting “We want Tchiroma! We want Tchiroma!”, protesters in Douala’s New Bell neighbourhood hurled stones at police officers and erected burning barricades.
Reuters reported that at least four protesters were arrested, while opposition campaign officials said around 30 politicians and activists who supported Tchiroma’s candidacy were detained earlier in the day.
Among those reportedly held are Anicet Ekane, leader of the MANIDEM party, and Djeukam Tchameni, a key member of the Union for Change movement.
The Cameroonian government has dismissed allegations of electoral fraud, urging citizens to remain calm and await the official announcement of results scheduled for Monday.
Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji said security agencies had made several arrests linked to what he described as an “insurrectional movement,” without giving specific figures.
Partial results reported by local outlets had initially placed Tchiroma ahead of Biya, but national tallies released by the electoral commission suggest the 92-year-old president is set to secure an eighth consecutive term, which could see him remain in office until nearly age 100.
Tchiroma, a former minister and one-time Biya ally, has rejected the official count, insisting he won the election and vowing not to accept any other outcome.
