Tensions flared across Cameroon on Tuesday as angry supporters of opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary poured into the streets, rejecting what they called a stolen mandate in the October 12 presidential election.
In the capital city, Yaoundé, large crowds of demonstrators rallied in defiance, waving national flags and chanting Tchiroma’s name. Their message was loud and clear — they believe their candidate won, and they’re not backing down.
Security forces, including heavily armed police and gendarmes, wasted no time in moving to break up the protests, firing tear gas and making arrests to disperse the growing crowds. Yet, the unrest quickly spread beyond the capital. In Garoua — Tchiroma’s hometown — thousands of his loyalists ignored warnings from local authorities and marched through the streets, declaring they would not accept what they see as a manipulated outcome.
“We voted for change, and our voices will not be ignored,” one protester told Zoyols Blog amid the chaos.
The uproar erupted shortly after the election commission released preliminary results showing President Paul Biya, the long-serving leader of the CPDM party, in the lead with 53.66% of the vote. Tchiroma of the FSNC followed with 35.19%, while other contenders, including Cabral Libii and Bello Bouba, trailed far behind.
But Tchiroma has rejected those figures outright, publishing his own results claiming victory in 13 out of 18 key divisions across the country. According to his count, he polled over 1.2 million votes — more than 500,000 ahead of Biya’s tally — figures he insists are backed by certified electoral documents from polling agents.
In several divisions in the Far North Region, including Diamaré, Mayo Tsanaga, and Mayo Danay, Tchiroma’s claimed lead was decisive, further emboldening his supporters.
As the nation braces for the Constitutional Council’s final announcement scheduled for Thursday, the atmosphere in Cameroon is tense and uncertain. The protests have already shown that this election — and its outcome — has struck a deep nerve in a country long yearning for change.
