A Deepening Crisis
Douala — Cameroon is engulfed in a severe political crisis, with tensions at a breaking point as the nation awaits the official results of the October 12, 2025 presidential election. The period following the disputed vote has been marked by deadly protests, a severe government crackdown, and widespread allegations of electoral fraud, creating one of the most serious challenges to the state in decades.
The commercial capital, Douala, has become a flashpoint, with regional governor Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua confirming that four protesters were killed in clashes after demonstrators allegedly "attacked" security forces. The violence is not confined to one region; in the northern city of Garoua, a teacher was fatally struck by a stray bullet, underscoring the rapid and dangerous escalation of the unrest.
The Contenders and the Claims
At the heart of the turmoil is 92-year-old President Paul Biya, Africa's second-longest-serving leader, who has ruled since 1982. His government, backed by entrenched networks of patronage, has dismissed all challenges to the process. However, his main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former ally turned critic has declared himself the true winner.
Tchiroma claims to have secured 54.8% of the popular vote and has publicly urged Biya to "honor the truth of the ballot box" and concede defeat. The ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) has dismissed this as a "grotesque hoax," setting the stage for a direct and volatile confrontation.
Crackdown and Digital Silence
In response to the swelling protests, the government has launched a severe crackdown. Security forces in cities like Douala and Garoua have used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds. The Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, announced dozens of arrests, with at least 20 protesters facing trial before a military tribunal on charges of "incitement to rebellion and insurrection." Human rights groups have condemned the use of military courts for civilians, calling it a sign of escalating repression.
Simultaneously, a digital curtain has fallen. Residents in major urban centers report internet slowdowns and partial shutdowns, a tactic with a worrying precedent in Cameroon. Digital rights advocates warn that such restrictions deepen public mistrust. “Cutting off communication in times of crisis doesn’t bring stability, it only deepens mistrust,” a representative from Internet Without Borders stated.
A Crisis of Legitimacy
The controversy extends to the very institutions meant to safeguard democracy. The Constitutional Council, Cameroon's top electoral authority staffed by presidential appointees, is expected to proclaim the final results on Monday, October 27. However, it has already dismissed ten petitions from the opposition alleging electoral malpractice, a move that has further eroded public faith.
Election observer groups, including the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon, have documented irregularities such as the relocation of polling stations and failures to update the electoral register. This has created a profound crisis of legitimacy.
“Few expect anything other than a victory for Biya,” said Dr. Henri Nchinda, a political science lecturer at the University of Yaoundé II. “But the legitimacy of that victory is what will determine whether Cameroon enters a new phase of instability.”
Voices from the Streets and a Nation’s Future
On the ground, the determination is palpable. In Yaoundé, demonstrators carried signs reading “Enough is Enough.” For many young Cameroonians, this election represents a generational struggle.
“We grew up hearing that Biya was president. Now we are adults, and nothing has changed,” said 27-year-old graduate Alain Ndongo. “We are demanding a future.”
The international community, including the African Union and United Nations, is watching closely and has called for restraint. Diplomatic sources suggest mediation could be imminent if violence escalates further.
As Cameroon stands at a critical crossroads, the official announcement will be a decisive flashpoint. The government has signaled its willingness to use force to maintain control, while citizens, their patience worn thin, continue to risk everything. As one anonymous protester in Douala put it, standing amid tear gas and chaos: “We have been silent too long. This time, the world must hear us.” Whether the nation steps toward reform or deeper unrest now hangs in the balance.
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