By Fatima Mukhtar
At least four people have been killed and several others injured as violent protests erupted in Douala, Cameroon’s commercial hub, following the re-election of 92-year-old President Paul Biya.
The long-serving leader, who has ruled the Central African nation since 1982, was declared winner of the October 12 presidential poll with 53.66% of the votes — extending his grip on power into an unprecedented eighth term.
Chaos broke out shortly after opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary called on his supporters to “rise up and defend democracy,” alleging widespread rigging and manipulation of results.
According to reports from Reuters and AP News, angry protesters blocked roads, set tyres ablaze, and clashed with police in several neighborhoods of Douala. Security forces responded with tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition to disperse the crowds.
Security officials confirmed four fatalities and dozens of arrests, with several opposition figures reportedly detained in the lead-up to the election result announcement.
Analysts say the unrest underscores growing discontent among Cameroonians, especially the youth, who have endured decades of economic hardship, corruption, and political stagnation under Biya’s rule.
Biya — the world’s oldest serving head of state — scrapped presidential term limits in 2008, enabling him to contest elections indefinitely.
International observers have appealed for restraint on all sides, urging authorities to respect citizens’ rights to peaceful protest while calling on the opposition to pursue legal channels to challenge the results.
As of Monday, tension remained high across major cities, with security forces maintaining heavy patrols to forestall further violence.
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