Fresh protests have erupted in Cameroon’s economic capital, Douala, after opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary rejected the re-election of long-time President Paul Biya, vowing to “resist until final victory.”
The unrest follows Biya’s official confirmation as the winner of the October 12 presidential election, extending his 43-year rule over the Central African nation.
At 92 years old, Biya remains the world’s oldest sitting head of state — a fact that has fueled public frustration in a country where nearly two-thirds of the population is under 30.
Protests broke out again on Wednesday morning in Douala, where streets were littered with burnt tires and debris from previous clashes.
Local media report that at least 10 people have been killed since violence began following the Constitutional Council’s ruling, which declared Biya’s win as final and beyond appeal.
Businesses cautiously reopened after days of closure, though residents described an atmosphere of tension and fear. “We want change, not endless rule,” said one protester, speaking anonymously for safety reasons.
In a televised address Tuesday night, Tchiroma — leader of the Cameroon National Salvation Front (FSNC) — claimed victory, insisting the official results did not reflect the people’s will.
“The truth of the ballot is clear. We won this election by a large majority. This victory is not mine alone — it belongs to the Cameroonian people,” Tchiroma declared. “We remain united, mobilized, and will continue to resist until the final victory.”
Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji accused Tchiroma of “inciting rebellion” and spreading misinformation by declaring himself the winner prematurely. In a government statement, Nji alleged that “irresponsible opposition elements” had encouraged civil unrest through social media campaigns, though he provided no evidence.
He claimed that small groups, “often under the influence of drugs,” looted shops and attacked public buildings — assertions that opposition groups have dismissed as politically motivated.
A civil society coalition, Stand Up for Cameroon, reported that more than 500 protesters were arrested between October 26 and 28, many of whom are allegedly being detained in “inhumane conditions.”
“Lawyers describe swollen faces, bruises, and degrading treatment inflicted on citizens who were simply exercising their constitutional rights,” the group said in a statement.
Videos circulating online appear to show security forces loading a motionless body onto a military truck, while protesters shout, “Give back the corpse!” Reuters was unable to verify the footage independently, and government officials have not commented on the allegations.
The Governor of the Littoral Region confirmed that over 200 arrests had been made in Douala alone, adding that “security forces are working to restore calm” after days of looting and vandalism targeting public and private property.
President Biya’s re-election comes amid widespread allegations of vote rigging, media intimidation, and restricted opposition activity. Many observers, including regional analysts, say Cameroon’s electoral landscape offers little space for political competition, with state institutions and media tightly controlled by the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM).
International observers have expressed concern about escalating violence and urged restraint. The African Union and United Nations have both called for dialogue between the government and opposition to prevent further bloodshed.
Despite the chaos, Biya’s supporters insist the election was legitimate and that the president’s experience is crucial for stability in a nation battling separatist conflict in its English-speaking regions and insurgent threats in the north.
The unrest underscores Cameroon’s deepening political divide and raises questions about the country’s democratic future. For many young Cameroonians, Biya’s extended rule symbolizes a system resistant to change.
As protests continue in Douala and Yaoundé, analysts warn that the government’s heavy-handed response risks deepening resentment and pushing the nation further toward instability.
“Cameroon stands at a crossroads,” said a political science lecturer at the University of Douala. “Either the government opens space for dialogue and reform — or it risks losing an entire generation’s trust.”
