At least four people have been killed in violent clashes between police and opposition supporters in Douala, Cameroon’s largest city, as the nation awaits the official announcement of presidential election results.
Hundreds of opposition protesters on Sunday barricaded roads and set tyres ablaze in parts of the city, including areas near Douala Airport and the New Bell district, in a major escalation of demonstrations that have persisted since the October 12 elections.
Incumbent President Paul Biya, who has ruled Cameroon for over four decades, is seeking to extend his tenure. However, main opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma has declared victory, claiming to have secured 54.8 percent of the vote against Biya’s 31.3 percent.
Tchiroma urged citizens to “resist any falsified and distorted results” that may be announced by the Constitutional Council.
Authorities confirmed that several security posts were attacked during the unrest. Samuel Diboua, governor of the Littoral region, said security forces acted in self-defence during the clashes. “Four people unfortunately lost their lives,” he stated.
The Constitutional Council is expected to release the official election results on Monday amid heightened security and fears of further violence.
