Violent Protests Erupt in Cameroon Ahead of Controversial Election Results

Tue Oct 28 2025 06:17:42 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Supporters of opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary clash with security forces amidst tensions surrounding the outcome of the presidential election.

As Cameroon awaits results from a highly contested presidential election, tensions boil over with violent protests erupting in several cities. Supporters of opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary accuse the ruling party of attempting to 'steal' the election, leading to clashes with police. The protests, deemed illegal by authorities, highlight the deep divisions in Cameroon’s political landscape as the incumbent, Paul Biya, seeks another term in power.

Hundreds of protesters have clashed with security forces in several cities across Cameroon, a day before the results in a highly-contested presidential election are due to be announced.

Police fired tear gas and water cannons at the supporters of opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary in his stronghold of Garoua, a city in the north of the country.

The protesters were denouncing what they said was a plan by the ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM), to steal the victory from the opposition leader.

Tchiroma Bakary has insisted that he won the presidential election held on 12 October, challenging incumbent President Paul Biya's 43-year-old hold on power. The CPDM party has dismissed the claims.

The demonstrations come after Tchiroma Bakary called on his supporters in the country and the diaspora to march peacefully to liberate Cameroon.

Authorities have banned gatherings until Monday, when Cameroon's constitutional council is set to announce the results.

In Garoua, the demonstrations began peacefully but quickly turned rowdy when security forces threw teargas on the streets to disperse the hundreds of people that had gathered in support of Tchiroma Bakary.

We are not here for disorder. We're demanding the truth of the ballot, a placard read.

One protester was seen carrying a banner urging US President Donald Trump to help them.

We are here to claim our victory. We are making a peaceful march, which is a civil right for all Cameroonians - for everyone, another protester said.

Supporters also took to the streets in the south-western city of Douala. We want Tchiroma, we want Tchiroma, protesters chanted.

Tchiroma Bakary previously told the BBC that he would not accept a stolen vote. He stated that his team had compiled the overall picture based on results from individual polling stations.

In a video statement posted on social media, Tchiroma Bakary claimed he won the election with about 55% of the vote, based on returns from 80% of the electorate.

The 76-year-old former government minister broke ranks with Biya, 92, who is seeking another term after 43 years in power.

CPDM has dismissed Tchiroma Bakary's victory claims, calling them illegal because only the constitutional council can proclaim official results. Allegations of irregularities, including ballot-stuffing, marred the electoral process as Tchiroma Bakary refused to file complaints with the council, asserting his status as the legal and legitimate president.

Born in Garoua, Tchiroma Bakary trained as an engineer in France before returning to Cameroon, where he held various government positions, including communications minister from 2009 to 2019.

In his role, he staunchly defended the government's actions during crises such as the Boko Haram insurrection, but he later resigned to run against Biya for the presidency, signifying a dramatic shift in his political career.