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At least four people were killed by gunshots in opposition protests in Cameroon’s commercial capital Douala on Sunday, according to the campaign of presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma, who is seeking to oust veteran leader Paul Biya. Tchiroma called for the protests to demand that the results of an October 12 vote be respected, a day before the outcome is expected to be announced. Police fired tear gas and water cannon to break up the crowds of Tchiroma supporters. They say he beat Biya and have accused authorities of preparing to rig the election. Protests flared in several cities after partial results reported by local media showed Biya, 92, was on course to win. The government has rejected opposition accusations of irregularities and urged people to wait for the result. “We want Tchiroma, we want Tchiroma!” the protesters chanted in Douala’s New Bell neighbourhood. They blocked roads with debris and threw stones and other projectiles at security forces. Reuters reporters saw police detain at least four protesters. Clashes were also reported in other parts of the city and in Tchiroma’s hometown, Garoua. Earlier on Sunday, Tchiroma’s campaign manager said authorities had detained about 30 politicians and activists who had supported his candidacy, heightening tensions. Among those he said were detained were Anicet Ekane, leader of the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM) party, and Djeukam Tchameni, a prominent figure in the Union for Change movement. Cameroon’s interior minister, Paul Atanga Nji, said on Saturday arrests had been made in connection with what he described as an “insurrectional movement”, though he did not say who had been detained or how many. In power since 1982, Biya is the world’s oldest-serving ruler. Another seven-year term could keep him in power until he is nearly 100. Tchiroma, a former minister and one-time Biya ally, has said he won and that he will not accept any other result.
