In a dramatic escalation of political tensions, at least two protesters were fatally shot by security forces in Cameroon on Sunday as opposition supporters took to the streets to demand transparency in the recent presidential election. The unrest unfolded in multiple cities, including the economic hub of Douala, where clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement turned violent. The opposition, led by candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, alleges that President Paul Biya, who has ruled the country for nearly four decades, rigged the October 12 election to secure his reelection. Cameroon’s constitutional council is set to announce the final results on Monday, but the opposition has already dismissed the process as fraudulent. Videos circulating online depict chaotic scenes of tear gas being deployed and protesters barricading major roads in cities like Garoua and Maroua. Authorities have remained silent on the reported deaths, which were confirmed by the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy party but could not be independently verified by The Associated Press. Meanwhile, dozens of opposition supporters and activists have been arrested in recent days, with the government accusing them of plotting violent attacks. One protester, Oumarou Bouba, a 27-year-old trader from Maroua, expressed his determination to defend his vote, stating, ‘I am ready to stake my life for change.’ The election has deepened divisions in Cameroon, a nation of nearly 30 million people, with many criticizing Biya, the world’s oldest leader at 92, for seeking another term after nearly half a century in power. The opposition has also accused him of sidelining his strongest rival and manipulating state resources to tilt the election in his favor.
2 protesters shot dead as tensions rise in Cameroon ahead of election results, opposition says
