YAOUNDE, Cameroon (BN24) — Tensions in Cameroon escalated on Friday as two prominent opposition leaders were arrested amid protests over the controversial presidential election results, which are set to be announced by the country’s constitutional council on Monday.
Anicet Ekane and Djeukam Tchameni, key figures in the Union for Change political platform, were arrested late Friday in Douala, Cameroon’s economic hub, according to their parties. Both men had endorsed Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a leading opposition candidate who claims he defeated President Paul Biya in the October 12 election. Their arrest has intensified the unrest sweeping across the nation, with opposition groups alleging electoral fraud and government attempts to suppress dissent.
The African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM) party also reported that several of its members, including the party’s treasurer, were “kidnapped” by local security forces. In a statement, MANIDEM accused the government of using force to intimidate opposition figures and supporters, warning that such actions are aimed at stifling democratic expression.
The precise circumstances surrounding the arrests remain unclear, and neither the government nor the security forces has provided detailed explanations. However, Paul Atanga Nji, Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Administration, confirmed the arrests of several individuals earlier in the week. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Nji claimed that these individuals were suspected of plotting violent acts under the guise of protests. He added that the government had intercepted plans to infiltrate peaceful demonstrations and incite violence, which would then be blamed on law enforcement.
“We are fully aware of the situation,” Nji said. “These individuals were planning to infiltrate groups of protesters and cause terrorist attacks that would result in the loss of lives. These deaths would later be attributed to the forces of law and order.”
As the government prepares to announce the final results of the election, opposition supporters have continued to demonstrate across the country, calling for a fair and transparent voting process. Tchiroma, who has alleged that he won the election based on results collated by his party, has accused Biya’s government of attempting to rig the vote and disrupt the democratic process.
Protests took place in several cities on Saturday, including in Bafoussam, the capital of the West Region, where groups of motorcyclists flooded major roads, demanding a credible election. In the days prior, security forces clashed with demonstrators in other cities, leading to several arrests. Authorities also reported that one person was killed during the protests in Garoua, a northern city.
The victim, a 30-year-old primary schoolteacher named Zairatou Hassana, was not involved in the protests, according to her uncle, Amadou Adji. He told The Associated Press that she had been out to check on her sister, who had not yet returned home from school. Hassana’s death has sparked outrage across the country, with many accusing the government of using excessive force against unarmed civilians.
“Her death is a painful reminder of the injustices under this regime,” Adji said. “Like many other Cameroonians, I now carry a bad memory of this government.”
In response to the arrests and rising protests, Tchiroma posted a message on social media Friday, warning that any attempt to arrest him would be “an assault against the entire Cameroonian people.” In a Facebook post, he called on the government to recognize the will of the people and the results of what he claims was a legitimate election victory.
“The people are simply asking you to recognize their victory,” Tchiroma said.
As tensions rise ahead of the final election results, the situation in Cameroon remains volatile. The country, which has seen a series of disputed elections in recent years, faces growing unrest as citizens demand a transparent and fair process. With the final vote count expected on Monday, all eyes are on the constitutional council’s announcement, which could either quell or intensify the unrest.
