Tension in Cameroon: 4 feared dead as protesters, police clash ahead of poll result

At least four persons were reportedly killed, yesterday, in Douala, Cameroon’s largest city, following violent confrontations between security operatives and supporters of the opposition ahead of the official declaration of the October 12 presidential election results.

Hundreds of protesters loyal to opposition candidate, Issa Tchiroma, mounted roadblocks and burnt tyres as anxiety rose over the expected pronouncement by the Constitutional Council.

Similar scenes of unrest were recorded around the Douala International Airport and New Bell axis.

Tchiroma, who has already declared himself winner, claims he secured 54.8 per cent of the vote against 31.3 per cent for incumbent President Paul Biya, who has been in power for over four decades. He urged citizens to resist any “falsified or distorted” result.

But Biya’s camp dismissed the claim and described it as baseless.

Governor Samuel Diboua, whose region covers Douala, said some police posts were attacked during the protests, forcing security agents to respond.

“Four people unfortunately lost their lives,” he said.

The Constitutional Council is expected to announce the official results today.