By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Cameroon, 26 October 2025 - Tensions are running high in Cameroon after violent clashes erupted across major cities on Sunday.
Thousands of those who took to the streets are supporters of opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who is the main opponent of President Paul Biya, who has ruled Cameroon for 42 years since 1982.
The protests, which began in Douala, were triggered by mounting frustration over the country’s disputed presidential election.
Video footages seen by Dawan Africa and which have gone viral show police officers making arrests of protesters and stones thrown on the roads.
Hundreds of demonstrators, mostly young people, took to the streets in response to a nationwide call from Tchiroma, demanding that the government recognise what they claim to be his electoral victory.
Protesters chanted slogans calling for “truth” and “justice” as they marched through Douala’s busy districts, including New Bell, where tensions escalated when police fired live ammunition and tear gas to disperse the crowds.
Witnesses reported scenes of chaos, with people fleeing into side streets and shops hurriedly closing.
The opposition alleges that at least four protesters were shot dead, while several others were injured and taken to nearby hospitals.
Authorities have not confirmed the casualties, and there has been no official comment from the government.
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The unrest quickly spread beyond Douala to Garoua, Maroua, Meinganga, Kaélé, and Bertoua, as supporters of the opposition leader joined what has become a nationwide movement calling for transparency in the vote count.
The official election results are expected to be announced on Monday, but the country’s electoral body has already faced accusations of bias and manipulation.
Independent observers warn that the situation remains volatile.
“There’s a real sense of uncertainty,” said a civil society leader in Yaoundé.
“People want their voices heard, but the State’s response risks deepening the crisis.”
Tchiroma, a former communications minister turned opposition figure, has urged his supporters to remain calm but vowed to continue pushing for what he calls “the people’s victory.”
As night fell on Sunday, security was tightened in several cities, with reports of increased military patrols.
Many fear that the coming days could determine whether Cameroon moves towards dialogue or slides further into unrest.
