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Cameroon Protests

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Protests Erupt in Douala Following Election Announcement

SITUATION SUMMARY | Intelligence cut off: 1500 UTC 27 OCTOBER 2025

On 27 October, Cameroon’s Constitutional Council declared victory for incumbent President Paul Biya, who won an eighth seven-year term with 53.66 per cent of the vote share. Opposition leader and primary challenger to Biya, Tchiroma Bakary, came second with 35.19 per cent of the vote.

Shortly after the announcement of the vote, Bakary announced that the military was shooting at civilians outside his Garoua residence, with unconfirmed reports claiming that two had been killed. Unverified images circulating on social media show gunmen posted on the roof of a home close to Bakary’s home.

Demonstrations have already been reported in Cameroon’s largest city, Douala, with eyewitness videos showing smoke on the streets of the New Bell area. According to local media, anti-government protesters have blocked the eastern entrance road into the city. Social media videos depict armoured vehicles being deployed to the Makepe Missoke area.

The vote results came after increasing tensions in Cameroon, with Bakary unilaterally declaring victory in the presidential election in a five-minute speech posted on social media on 14 October, in which he urged incumbent Biya to concede. Bakary’s declaration comes despite the Constitutional Council, the official electoral body, not having yet declared the election results. No official government response has been issued.

Following the victory claim, protests erupted in multiple cities on 15 October to demonstrate against perceived vote-counting irregularities, with clashes occurring in Douala, Dschang, Kousseri, and Limbe. In Dschang, protesters set the courthouse, public prosecutor’s office, and ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) headquarters ablaze while police deployed tear gas and conducted arrests.

Further demonstrations occurred on 21 October in Garoua, in the country’s north, in support of Bakary. Authorities announced that they arrested at least 20 people during the protests. One teacher was reportedly shot dead.

Protests again occurred on the eve of the results announcement, on 26 October. In Douala, protesters reportedly attacked a gendarmerie brigade and police stations; four individuals died in the clashes. In Garoua, Bakary supporters clashed with security forces, who deployed tear gas to disperse protesters.

Internet access has been disrupted in recent days, according to NetBlocks.

INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS

Escalating Unrest Likely as Public Anger Mounts and Government Crackdown Intensifies

Protests are highly likely to intensify across major cities and Bakary strongholds, such as Douala, Yaoundé, and Dschang, and could spread nationwide. A significant portion of the population almost certainly believes the vote count was manipulated and is highly likely to mobilise in support of Bakary. The violent confrontations that occurred on 15, 21, and 26 October indicate that demonstrations could rapidly turn violent. The perception that security forces have been stationed outside Bakary’s residence is likely to reinforce public anger and the potential for escalation.

Biya’s government has become increasingly repressive in recent years. Starting in 2016, harsh measures have been imposed on the Anglophone communities in the Northwestern and Southwestern regions, which comprise approximately 15 to 20 per cent of the population. At least 3,000 people have been killed and nearly 700,000 people displaced in the violence. The government has also cracked down on civil society, arresting and intimidating journalists and opposition figures, preventing criticism of the government, and denying permission for gatherings.

Cameroon’s population has struggled with unemployment and a rising cost of living. Cameroon’s young population remains politically disenfranchised, with many viewing the government as deeply corrupt under President Paul Biya, who has ruled since 1982. Bakary declaring victory will highly likely be perceived as a potential catalyst for widespread civil unrest, which could unseat the current government, almost certainly inspired by recent demonstrations in Nepal and Madagascar.

The 2018 election resulted in protests across the country led by opposition figure Maurice Kamto, which the government responded to with a heavy crackdown and excessive force against demonstrators. Security forces have demonstrated similar patterns in response to recent demonstrations, and anti-government demonstrations will almost certainly be met with severe crackdowns, with security forces highly likely to use live ammunition, crowd-dispersal measures such as tear gas and water cannon, internet blackouts, and mass arrests.

If civil unrest escalates, airport disruptions are likely, with airlines potentially cancelling flights and roadblocks preventing access to major airports. Curfews could also be imposed, further disrupting transportation.

Travel and Safety Guidance

  • Avoid all major government buildings, universities, and police facilities. Reassess travel to Cameroon.
  • Allocate additional time for all road travel in Douala and other urban centres in Cameroon.
  • Plan for potential internet and communications disruptions; ensure you have emergency contacts saved on your phone and plan any potential travel routes. Emergency contacts should include the local authorities, medical facilities and any consular support. Ensure that mobile phones are charged in case of any loss of electricity.
  • Closely monitor announcements from local authorities and media sources for any developments that may severely impact the local security environment.
  • Avoid all areas of unrest due to incidental risks to bystanders. If caught in the unrest, travellers should move with the crowd until they find the nearest opportunity to escape. If in a vehicle, look to turn down the nearest road. If driving away is not an option, lock the vehicle and escape on foot.
  • Always follow all instructions and orders from authorities. Where possible, avoid areas of active unrest and remain in a secure accommodation. Adhere to curfews.
  • Prolonged civil unrest can disrupt travel, especially if protesters begin targeting airports. Travellers should have contingency measures in place, including evacuation plans and reliable access to food, water and medication.
  • If caught in the vicinity of a security incident, seek shelter immediately and leave the area if safe to do so. Continue to adhere to all instructions issued by authorities and obey any security cordons in place.
  • If available, monitor your intelligence provider’s alerting platform and trusted local media for updates relevant to the unrest.

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