Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Douala on Sunday, igniting protests that spread to several major cities as supporters of opposition figure Issa Tchiroma Bakary demanded official recognition of his claimed victory in the recent presidential election.
The protests, which began peacefully, were met with a forceful police response, resulting in clashes that have left at least four people dead and several others wounded, according to eyewitness accounts.
The unrest was sparked by a nationwide call from Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who his supporters assert is the true winner of the presidential poll. In Douala, the nation’s economic capital, crowds of predominantly young people marched through major thoroughfares, voicing their frustration over the delayed announcement of official results.
“We’re not destroying anything. We’re not causing trouble. All the people are asking for is the truth from the ballot box,” one protester stated, capturing the marchers’ initial peaceful intent. “Tomorrow, Monday, 27th, Cameroon must know nothing but the truth. The people want only the truth of the vote.”
Protesters expressed deep suspicion over the repeated postponement of the results. “We respect the electoral code. But waiting two weeks, we cannot accept that,” the demonstrator continued. “Why have these results been delayed so much… What are we waiting for in this country? We will want change.”
The situation escalated as security forces moved to contain the demonstrations. Reports from the New Bell neighborhood in Douala indicate that police and anti-riot units used live ammunition, leading to casualties. Two individuals were confirmed to have been fatally shot, with others reported to be in intensive care.
The wave of dissent was not confined to Douala. The protests echoed across the country, with rising tensions reported in the cities of Yaoundé, Maroua, and Bafoussam, among others, as citizens heeded the opposition’s call to action.
The national government has yet to release an official statement regarding the protests or the alleged casualties. The nation now waits under a cloud of tension as the constitutional deadline for announcing the presidential election results approaches this Monday.