At least four people were killed by gunfire during opposition protests in Cameroon’s commercial capital, Douala, on Sunday, according to the campaign of presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma, who is challenging long-time leader Paul Biya.

Tchiroma called for nationwide demonstrations demanding that the results of the October 12 presidential election be respected, one day before the official results are due to be announced.

Police used teargas and water cannon to disperse demonstrators supporting Tchiroma, who insists he won the vote. Protesters accused authorities of attempting to rig the outcome, chanting, “We want Tchiroma!” as they hurled rocks and debris at security forces.

Partial results reported by local media suggest Biya, 92, is on course for another seven-year term — a result the opposition rejects. The government has dismissed allegations of fraud and urged citizens to await the official results.

Reuters reporters witnessed police arrest at least four protesters in Douala’s New Bell neighbourhood, while clashes were also reported in other parts of the city and in Garoua, Tchiroma’s hometown.

Earlier, Tchiroma’s campaign manager said authorities had detained about 30 opposition figures who supported his candidacy, including Anicet Ekane, leader of the MANIDEM party, and Djeukam Tchameni of the Union for Change movement.

Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji confirmed arrests linked to what he described as an “insurrectional movement” but did not provide further details.

Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, is the world’s oldest serving head of state. If re-elected, he could remain in power until nearly 100 years old. Tchiroma, a former minister and one-time ally of Biya, maintains that he won the election and will not accept any other result.

Copied