Amanze Chinonye
Tension remains high across Cameroon as protests continue following the declaration of 92-year-old President Paul Biya as winner of the October 12 presidential election, amid opposition claims of vote-rigging and growing international concern over the government’s response.
The Constitutional Council on October 27 announced that Biya secured 53.66 percent of the vote, extending his more than four-decade rule. Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who officially came second, rejected the result, insisting his own campaign tallies show he won with 54.8 percent of the vote. He vowed to “lead a peaceful resistance” against what he described as “a stolen mandate.”
Nationwide Unrest and Rising Casualties
Protests have since spread across major cities, including Douala, Yaoundé, Garoua, and Maroua, as demonstrators demand Biya’s resignation and an independent review of the election results.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to civil rights group Stand Up for Cameroon, at least 23 people have been killed nationwide since the demonstrations began, a figure that remains unconfirmed by authorities and is higher than other reports from local officials. Al Jazeera and Reuters have separately confirmed multiple deaths in Douala, where regional authorities reported four fatalities during violent clashes on October 26.
Security forces have deployed heavily in urban centres, using tear gas, water cannons, and, in some cases, live ammunition to disperse crowds. The Associated Press reported that several opposition members and activists were arrested in Douala and other cities, with campaign officials estimating the total number of detentions at between 20 and 30.
Economic Fallout and Rights Concerns
The unrest has disrupted economic activity, particularly in Douala, Cameroon’s commercial capital- where businesses remained closed for days. The Group of Petroleum Professionals warned that vandalism and looting of fuel stations could threaten thousands of jobs across the sector, though the exact figure has not been independently verified.
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have both condemned the “excessive use of force” by security agents and called for accountability for all acts of violence.
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UN and AU Call for Calm and Dialogue
The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the situation, deploring the loss of life and urging restraint. In a statement released Wednesday, the UN Secretary-General called on “all Cameroonian stakeholders to resolve disputes through dialogue and legal means” and to conduct “a credible investigation into alleged human rights violations.”
The African Union Commission, while congratulating Biya on his re-election, said it was “gravely concerned” about reports of violence, arrests, and repression. AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat urged all parties to exercise restraint and pursue “an inclusive national dialogue to preserve peace and social cohesion.”
Mounting Pressure on Biya’s Government
President Biya, who has ruled since 1982, faces one of the most serious challenges to his leadership in years.
Critics accuse his administration of stifling dissent and mismanaging the economy, while widespread youth unemployment and recurring internet shutdowns have deepened public frustration.
As of Thursday, heavily armed troops continued patrols in Douala and Yaoundé, with intermittent internet disruptions reported across several regions. Sporadic gunfire was also heard overnight in parts of the Far North region, Prime Business Africa reports.
International observers and rights groups continue to call for calm, fearing the violence could destabilise one of Central Africa’s most enduring regimes.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
