- Supporters of opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary protested on October 21 in Yaoundé and Garoua, claiming victory in the October 12 presidential election.
- The National Vote Counting Commission declared President Paul Biya the winner with 53% of votes, while Tchiroma secured 35%.
- The government deployed anti-riot forces and reinforced security nationwide to prevent further unrest amid ongoing mediation efforts.
Dozens of people protested in Yaoundé and Garoua on Tuesday, October 21, to contest the official results of Cameroon’s October 12 presidential election, according to witnesses and local media.
In Yaoundé, demonstrators gathered late in the morning near the Police Academy, waving banners bearing Issa Tchiroma Bakary’s image and chanting “Tchiroma President.” Security forces deployed water cannons and anti-riot trucks to disperse the crowd, as seen in videos shared on social media.
In Garoua, Tchiroma’s political stronghold in northern Cameroon, several marches took place at midday. Similar rallies had occurred the previous evening, drawing hundreds of participants.
The protests came as the National Vote Counting Commission completed its work and prepared to publish final results. Reports circulating online during the day already suggested that incumbent President Paul Biya had secured victory.
Official tallies later confirmed Biya with 53% of votes and Issa Tchiroma Bakary with 35%, placing the long-serving president ahead for another term.
Tchiroma’s supporters rejected the outcome, alleging widespread irregularities. The Union for Change 2025 coalition, which backed Tchiroma, claimed their candidate actually won 62% of the vote.
Authorities have tightened security measures across major cities to deter further unrest. In Yaoundé, Douala, and Garoua, police and gendarmerie units have been placed on high alert.
Government officials have also begun consultations with religious and community leaders to defuse tensions and prevent escalation.
While the demonstrations have so far remained limited, analysts warn that sustained post-election disputes could heighten instability in a country already facing regional security challenges.
Source: stopblablacam.com