Anger has erupted into a second day of protests in Cameroon’s economic capital following the official confirmation of President Paul Biya’s re-election, extending his rule by another seven years.
The announcement by the Constitutional Council, declaring the 90-year-old Biya the winner of the presidential election held two weeks prior with 53% of the vote, has been met with fury by many inhabitants of Douala. Young people swiftly barricaded major streets, and fires broke out across the city as demonstrations intensified.
The emotional toll of the result was palpable among residents. One local man, Max, voiced the desperation felt by many, stating, “I’m sick of it. I don’t work and I can’t even look after my grandsons who I have at home. I am suffering so much. So much needs to stop.”
Another resident expressed profound shock, saying, “I was crushed when I heard the news about the results. It just crushed me. I will be honest with you. It was so shocking to me that I almost broke my TV.” The individual went on to condemn the government’s actions as “hypocrisy” and delivered a direct message to the administration: “I’m so sorry, but you need to stop. If it gets too much for you, you stop.”
While acknowledging Biya’s long-standing role, the resident pleaded for change, noting, “Paul Biya has done a lot for us, but he needs to step down. We respect him a lot. He’s like our father, our grandfather, but he needs to stop.”
The security situation in Douala has deteriorated significantly in response to the unrest. Armed forces have been deployed to several districts of the city. Reports from the ground describe an afternoon marked by pillaging, the destruction of public property, and the sound of live bullets, which led to the entire city being paralyzed.
The election result has been formally denounced by the opposition candidate, who reiterated a call for mass protests. The ongoing demonstrations represent a significant challenge to the government after an election that grants Paul Biya, one of the world’s longest-serving leaders, an eighth term in office.
