As Cameroon awaits the official announcement of the October 12, 2025, presidential election results, the government has launched a sweeping clampdown on opposition leaders, activists, and civil society figures. Critics say the move reflects an effort to maintain President Paul Biya’s 43-year hold on power. The Constitutional Council is expected to proclaim the results on Monday, October 27, amid apparent growing tension across major towns and cities.
On Friday, tensions escalated after opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary who had declared himself winner of the polls, called for nationwide peaceful protests on Sunday, October 26.
“I call on all Cameroonians to come out in massive numbers — in every city, every village, every neighbourhood across Cameroon, and throughout the diaspora. Let us raise our voices together in a peaceful march to show the entire world that it is the people who choose their leader.
Let us remain united, dignified, and determined. Our strength lies in our numbers, in our discipline, and in our unshakable conviction that the future of Cameroon belongs to its children,” Tchiroma said in a statement on his verified facebook page.
Hours later, security forces arrested two prominent opposition figures in Douala — Ekane Anicet, president of the Movement for Africa’s New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM) party, and Djeukam Tchameni, a veteran political reform advocate. MANIDEM’s treasurer, Florence Titchio, was also reportedly detained. Both Ekane and Djeukam, operating under the Union for Change movement, had endorsed Tchiroma’s candidacy and self-proclaimed victory and urged the ruling CPDM to concede defeat. Manidem, in a statement, demanded their immediate release.
Media reports earlier indicated that 55 people had been detained in connection with post-electoral violence in Garoua. Other pro-Tchiroma opposition figures, including Professor Jean Calvin Aba’a Oyono and Parfait Mbvoum, were reportedly arrested October 25.
While the government has yet to issue an official statement on the arrests or the broader post-electoral repression, the Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Justice, Barrister Momo Jean de Dieu, who is very active on social media warned: “Any illegal march not based on legal provisions will be treated as an insurrection,” he said.
Communication Minister René Emmanuel Sadi told a press conference on Friday that he expects media practitioners to uphold professional ethics and act as peacebuilders. The government, through traditional rulers, local authorities, and senior ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement, CPDM officials, have continued to discourage post-electoral protests. The Member of Parliament for Buea Urban Constituency, Hon. Malombe Esembe, organized a peace march in the region’s capital, urging residents to reject disinformation.
Meanwhile, residents across several cities reported widespread internet disruptions on Thursday, fuelling speculation that the government may be planning a nationwide shutdown — a tactic previously employed during the 2017 Anglophone crisis. The state-run telecom operator Camtel later issued an apology to customers, citing “technical disruptions.”
Security forces have also intensified patrols and raids, particularly in Muslim-majority neighbourhoods such as Tchinga in Yaoundé. Authorities announced the arrest of three individuals with weapons, allegedly crossing into Cameroon from Nigeria, further heightening tensions.
The Governor of the North Region, Abate Jean, has banned the importation and sale of contraband fuel, popularly known as Zoua Zoua, within his jurisdiction—fuel that is primarily consumed by locals.
With the country on edge, fears are mounting that clashes could erupt between security forces and young protesters determined to ensure that their votes are not overturned by the Constitutional Council. Rising fears have prompted residents to stock up on supplies at home.
