Tension gripped the city of Douala on Sunday, October 26, 2025, after self-proclaimed election winner Issa Tchiroma called on his supporters to “defend the people’s will” following the disputed October 12 presidential election. What began as scattered protests quickly escalated into violent clashes with security forces, leaving four people dead and several others injured, including members of the gendarmerie and police.
According to an official statement from the Governor of the Littoral Region, Samuel Ivaha Diboua, the unrest began around 4 p.m., when “groups of youths, under the influence of narcotics and driven by criminal intent,” attacked the Nkoulouloun gendarmerie brigade and police stations in the 2nd and 6th Districts. The governor said the attackers attempted to burn down the stations and seize weapons, but were repelled by security forces.
“The Governor of the Littoral deeply deplores the loss of human life and expresses compassion to the bereaved families,” the statement read. “These are premeditated acts of violence that undermine public order, security, and national sovereignty.”
Governor Diboua condemned the violence in the strongest terms and announced that investigations have been opened to identify and prosecute those responsible. He called on parents to counsel their children against political manipulation and to uphold “civism, peace, and respect for institutions.”
The governor also warned against further disturbances, emphasizing that security forces have been deployed to maintain order throughout Douala and the Littoral Region.
“The necessary measures have been taken to firmly maintain order and block the path of all criminals seeking to undermine public peace,” the statement declared.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Issa Tchiroma, who earlier declared himself the rightful winner of the presidential election, has not yet commented on the deadly turn of events. His claim of victory, made ahead of official results, has been described by government sources as “irresponsible and destabilizing.”
Residents of Douala woke up Sunday morning to a heavy military presence, particularly around key intersections and public buildings. While shops reopened cautiously, many citizens expressed fear that more unrest could follow if official election results, expected this Monday, are contested.
“People are tired and just want peace,” said a taxi driver in Akwa. “But when politicians start playing with our emotions, the streets pay the price.”
As the nation awaits the Constitutional Council’s final declaration of results, tensions remain high. The government insists calm will be maintained — but the opposition’s next move could determine whether peace holds or chaos deepens in Cameroon’s economic capital.
