Four Dead as Demonstrations Erupt Over Paul Biya’s Contested Victory in Cameroon
Story: written by Zara October 28,2025
Fresh unrest broke out across Cameroon on Sunday after authorities declared President Paul Biya the winner of the October 12 presidential election. Violent confrontations between protesters and security forces resulted in the deaths of at least four people, according to local reports.
Large crowds gathered in major cities including Douala, Garoua, and Maroua to demand transparent election results and reject what they described as a flawed process. Regional officials confirmed that more than 100 individuals were detained in Douala alone, where clashes were most intense. Littoral Region Governor, Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua, stated that several officers sustained injuries while attempting to restore order.
Footage shared on social media showed security operatives firing tear gas as demonstrators blocked key roads and chanted demands for political change.
The Constitutional Council announced that 92-year-old Biya, who has been in power since 1982, secured 53.66 percent of the vote. His main challenger and former ally, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, received 35.19 percent. Opposition groups have rejected the results, accusing the ruling administration of widespread manipulation.
Before the official declaration, Bakary claimed he had already won the election based on figures purportedly collected by his campaign. Supporters expressed frustration over alleged irregularities and the exclusion of a prominent challenger from the race, asserting that the process lacked fairness.
One protester in Maroua, a 27-year-old trader identified as Oumarou Bouba, expressed his determination to defend what he believes is the true outcome. He stated that he voted for Bakary in pursuit of change and would not be silent.
Civil society groups previously reported that security forces opened fire to disperse demonstrators, causing multiple casualties. Calls for accountability and international scrutiny continue to grow as tensions remain high across the country.
