By Ebi Kesiena
Widespread anger has gripped Cameroon following the re-election of President Paul Biya, with residents of Douala taking to the streets for a second consecutive day after the 92-year-old leader was declared winner of the presidential polls.
Security forces have been deployed across several districts to contain the unrest.
The announcement by the Constitutional Council confirmed Biya’s victory, paving the way for his eighth consecutive term in office on Monday.
Having ruled since 1982, Biya’s continued grip on power has sparked frustration among citizens who say the election results do not reflect the people’s will.
Protests quickly turned chaotic in Douala, with barricades set up across roads, fires burning, and reports of live ammunition being used by security operatives. Witnesses said looting and property destruction spread through parts of the city, paralysing movement throughout Monday afternoon.
Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary has rejected the outcome, alleging widespread irregularities. His supporters accuse the government of manipulating the process to maintain Biya’s decades-long rule.
Residents expressed deep disappointment over the results. Max Ndongmo, one of the protesters in Douala, said: “I was crushed when I heard the news about the results, it just crushed me. I will be honest with you, it was so shocking to me that I almost broke my TV. What they are doing and have been doing is just hypocrisy. To this government, I want to say, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, but you need to stop.”
With tensions still high, authorities have called for calm as fears grow that the unrest could spread to other cities if grievances are not addressed.
