By Abiola Olawale
At least four individuals have been reportedly killed in clashes between opposition supporters and security forces in Cameroon’s economic hub, Douala, just hours before the expected announcement of the results from the hotly contested presidential election.
It was gathered that the escalating violence comes amid political tensions as long-serving incumbent President Paul Biya is anticipated to secure an eighth term.
The fatalities were reported on Sunday as opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary—who has claimed victory in the October 12 poll—called on his supporters to take to the streets to demand “respect for the ballot box.”
Regional Governor Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua had claimed that the clashes in Douala resulted in the deaths of four protesters, adding that several members of the security forces were also injured.
The governor stated that demonstrators “attacked” a gendarmerie brigade and police stations in two districts of the city.
However, protesters and the opposition have accused security forces of using excessive force. Eyewitnesses in Douala recounted security personnel firing live ammunition to disperse the crowds, a claim supported by reports of bullet casings found at the scene.
The police were accused of having deployed tear gas and water cannons to break up rallies where demonstrators carried banners and chanted, “Goodbye Paul Biya, Tchiroma is coming.”
The New Diplomat reports that the development comes as Cameroon’s Constitutional Council is scheduled to announce the final results of the presidential election on Monday.
The opposition has vehemently rejected preliminary results, alleging widespread vote manipulation and demanding a recount.
However, Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji issued a warning on Saturday, stating that the opposition-led protests were attempting to “create the conditions for a security crisis” and implement an “insurrectionist project.”
