Violent confrontations have broken out in several Cameroonian cities as the country braces for the announcement of presidential election results. Police deployed tear gas and water cannons in Garoua, a key opposition stronghold, to disperse demonstrators.
Supporters of opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary took to the streets, alleging a plot by the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) to manipulate the election outcome. Tchiroma Bakary claims victory and challenges the 43-year tenure of incumbent President Paul Biya, a claim the CPDM has refuted.
Following Tchiroma Bakary’s call for peaceful demonstrations to “liberate Cameroon,” authorities have prohibited public gatherings until the constitutional council, whose judges are appointed by President Biya, announces the official results. The council has already dismissed eight election-related petitions due to insufficient evidence or jurisdictional issues.
Protesters in Garoua, holding placards and chanting slogans, expressed their demand for electoral transparency. Demonstrations also occurred in Douala, with chants of “We want Tchiroma.” Tchiroma Bakary, a former communications minister who has a history of imprisonment for alleged involvement in a coup attempt against Biya, has refused to file complaints with the council, asserting his claim to the presidency.