Cameroon Election Turmoil: Two Protesters Killed Amid Rising Tensions, Opposition Reports

In the heart of Yaoundé, tensions flared as Cameroon’s streets became the stage for a tragic confrontation. At least two lives were lost when security forces opened fire on protesters demanding transparency in the country’s recent presidential election, the opposition claimed on Sunday.

Following a turbulent few days, hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets across various cities, rallying in response to calls from opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary. Bakary has asserted victory over incumbent President Paul Biya in the election held on October 12, fueling the unrest.

The nation now awaits the constitutional council’s announcement of the official election results, expected on Monday. Meanwhile, the opposition and its followers have voiced concerns, accusing the authorities of potential electoral manipulation.

In Douala, Cameroon’s bustling economic center, the unrest turned deadly as security forces clashed with demonstrators. According to the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy party, two protesters were shot dead amid the chaos.

Reports of these fatalities, echoed by local media, have yet to be independently confirmed by the Associated Press, and there has been no immediate comment from governmental authorities on the matter.

Videos online showed protesters clashing with security forces, who fired tear gas and tried to disperse the protesters barricading major roads in Douala and other cities including Garoua and Maroua in the north.

Dozens of opposition supporters, activists and leaders have already been arrested in recent days as protests continued. Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji told reporters Saturday that the government arrested several people plotting violent attacks.

One protester, Oumarou Bouba, a 27-year-old trader in the northern city of Maroua, said, “I am ready to stake my life to defend my vote. I voted for Tchiroma because I want change.”

Cameroon, a country of nearly 30 million people, has seen growing tensions since the build-up to the election in which Biya is seeking reelection.

The decision by the 92-year-old Biya, the world’s oldest leader who has been in power for nearly half his life, to seek reelection angered the country’s youth and the opposition.

The opposition has accused Biya of having a hand in the disqualification of his strongest rival and of using state machinery to manipulate the election in his favor.