Cameroon's economic capital, Douala, was the scene of violent riots on Sunday, October 26, 2025, on the eve of the presidential election results announcement. A protest march, initiated by opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, escalated into bloody clashes, plunging the city into an atmosphere of extreme tension.
The most serious clashes were concentrated in the New-Bell district, where witnesses reported that law enforcement used live ammunition to disperse protesters. At least four people lost their lives in these clashes, and a police pickup truck was set on fire by angry demonstrators. The protest then spread to other areas of the city, including Ndog-Passi and Ndokoti, where looting and arson were reported.
These events occur against a backdrop of high political tension, as the Constitutional Council prepares to announce the official election results. Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who came in second with 35.19% of the vote, had denounced fraud and claimed victory even before the publication of the results. The outgoing president, Paul Biya, 92, was declared the winner with 53.66% of the votes cast.
The post-election situation remains tense in Cameroon, with accusations of violent repression of demonstrations by security forces. Human rights organizations have denounced the excessive use of force and arbitrary arrests. The Minister of the Interior stated that security forces killed 13 protesters in Douala and three others in the North region, and that over 800 arrests were made. Human rights groups dispute the government's death toll, claiming the actual number of deaths is closer to 30.
The current post-election crisis highlights the persistent challenges Cameroon faces in terms of governance and respect for human rights. Paul Biya was inaugurated for an eighth term on November 6, 2025.
