News|ElectionsTwo killed in Cameroon protests ahead of election results, opposition saysHundreds of supporters of opposition presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma accuse President Paul Biya’s government of seeking to rig the vote.
Recent protests in Cameroon have resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals due to gunfire, coinciding with demonstrations occurring a day before the announcement of presidential election results. Hundreds of supporters of opposition candidate…
Recent protests in Cameroon have resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals due to gunfire, coinciding with demonstrations occurring a day before the announcement of presidential election results. Hundreds of supporters of opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma engaged in demonstrations in Douala, Cameroon’s commercial hub, leading to road blockades and tire burnings. Law enforcement responded with tear gas and water cannons to manage the situation, with reports of a police vehicle being set ablaze.
The unrest follows claims from protesters asserting that Tchiroma emerged victorious against incumbent President Paul Biya in the October 12 elections. Allegations have surfaced accusing authorities of potential electoral manipulation. Demonstrations have been reported across various cities, including Yaounde, Garoua, Maroua, Meiganga, Bafang, Bertoua, Kousseri, Yagoua, Kaele, and Bafoussam.
Partial results from local media sources suggested that Biya was leading towards securing an eighth term. However, discrepancies arose during the counting process, with initial reports declaring Tchiroma as the winner, conflicting with the national count announced by the electoral commission favoring Biya. Tchiroma disputes these results, claiming electoral victory and calling for national demonstrations to demand electoral transparency.
Burning barricades are seen in Garoua during a demonstration by supporters of the political opposition on October 21, 2025, ahead of the release of the results of the presidential vote [AFP]
Recent protests in Cameroon have resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals due to gunfire, coinciding with demonstrations occurring a day before the announcement of presidential election results.
Security forces detained at least four demonstrators according to eyewitness reports. The government has dismissed opposition accusations of electoral irregularities and has encouraged the populace to await the official election results.
Earlier statements from Tchiroma’s campaign noted that approximately 30 political figures and activists supporting his candidacy have been detained, including Anicet Ekane of the MANIDEM party and Djeukam Tchameni from the Union for Change movement. Cameroon’s Interior Minister, Paul Atanga Nji, confirmed arrests related to what he described as an “insurrectional movement,” without specifying further details.
President Paul Biya, the world’s longest-serving leader at 92, has held office since 1982. A successful reelection would extend his tenure until nearly 100 years of age. Tchiroma, formerly aligned with Biya, maintains his stance of electoral victory and refuses to accept any alternative outcome.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
