Four killed in Cameroon protests as election results awaited

"Four people have been killed in clashes in Cameroon before the announcement of the results of elections held on October 12. Supporters of opposition leader Issa Tchiroma faced-off against security forces as they rallied on Sunday despite a ban on gatherings, with results due to be announced on Monday. Tchiroma has claimed to have won the vote, but incumbent President Paul Biya is expected to be declared victorious, extending his 43-year hold on power."

"He called on his supporters to march peacefully on the eve of the announcement. Tchiroma says he won 54.8 percent, but most analysts expect the 92-year-old Biya to secure an eighth term in a system his critics say has become increasingly rigged. In Cameroon's largest city, Douala, the regional governor said demonstrators attacked a gendarmerie brigade and police stations in two districts on Sunday."

"Four people unfortunately lost their lives, said Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua, adding that several members of the security forces were also injured. Earlier on Sunday, police fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of people in Tchiroma's northern stronghold of Garoua, where activists carried Cameroonian flags and banners reading Tchiroma 2025 and chanted Goodbye Paul Biya, Tchiroma is coming. For several days, dozens of supporters have gathered around the home of the opposition leader,"

Clashes in Cameroon killed four people ahead of official election results due Monday. Supporters of opposition leader Issa Tchiroma rallied despite a ban, confronting security forces. Tchiroma claims he won with 54.8 percent while most analysts expect 92-year-old incumbent Paul Biya to be declared the winner, extending a 43-year hold on power. Authorities reported attacks on security installations in Douala and injuries among security forces. Police fired tear gas in Garoua where activists carried flags and chanted against Biya. Internet disruptions have limited coverage and officials warned the protests risk creating a security crisis.

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