Cameroon Faces Turmoil as Police Allegedly Join and in some Instances Clash with Protesters Ahead of Contested Election Results
Cameroon is gripped by political turmoil following the October 12 presidential election, as protests intensify across major cities and segments of the police force reportedly join demonstrators in condemning alleged electoral fraud. The unrest marks a rare and dramatic challenge to President Paul Biya’s 43-year rule, with verified reports and footage fueling public outrage and international concern.
According to a widely circulated video from Africa News Line 700’s on Facebook, uniformed officers in Douala and Bafoussam were seen marching alongside civilians, chanting against vote manipulation and calling for transparency. This development has added momentum to a growing movement demanding recognition of opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who claims victory based on independent polling and citizen reports Africanews.
On Sunday, police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds in Douala, Yaoundé, and Garoua, where protesters barricaded roads and burned tyres. At least two people were killed in Garoua, according to Al Jazeera, as tensions flared ahead of the official announcement of results Aljazeera. The National Vote-Counting Commission has provisionally declared Biya, now 95, the winner with over 53% of the vote DW.
Opposition leaders Anicet Ekane and Djeukam Tchameni, both affiliated with the Union for Change 2025 coalition, were arrested in Douala on Friday, drawing condemnation from civil society groups and international observers RFI. The Constitutional Council has dismissed all ten legal challenges to the election, clearing the path for Biya’s confirmation despite widespread allegations of fraud Al Arabiya.
Internet access has been disrupted nationwide, limiting coverage and communication amid the protests. Demonstrators continue to demand the release of detained opposition figures and the publication of what they claim are the true results of the vote.
International media outlets including Deutsche Welle, Africanews, and Al Jazeera have confirmed the scale of the protests and the growing defiance against the ruling regime Africanews DW Aljazeera. While no formal intervention has been announced, diplomatic sources suggest that regional and global actors are closely monitoring the situation and may act within the bounds of international law to uphold democratic norms.
As Cameroonians await the final declaration, the country stands at a pivotal moment. The convergence of mass protests, police defection, and international scrutiny has created a volatile political landscape. Whether this marks the end of Biya’s reign or a deepening of authoritarian control remains uncertain—but the resolve of a disillusioned populace is now impossible to ignore.
Issa Tchiroma Picture by Faith Tata
Sources:
- Africanews – Protests Erupt Across Cameroon Africanews
- DW – Protesters Defy Bans Ahead of Election Results DW
- Al Jazeera – Two Killed in Cameroon Protests Aljazeera
- Al Arabiya – Police Fire Teargas as Protesters Defy Bans Al Arabiya
- RFI – Opposition Leaders Arrested RFI
- Radio France Internationale Firstpost Yahoo News UK The EastAfrican Firstpost stateofthenation.co.zw
