The government of Cameroon has confirmed the deaths of four people following post-electoral demonstrations that erupted in towns and cities, across at least seven regions of the country.
Authorities had remained silent since the unrest began, but the Governor of the Littoral Region—where the protests turned particularly violent—announced that measures have been taken to restore calm.
In a statement released in the late hours of October 26, Governor Samuel Ivaha Diboua said the four victims died after failed attempts to seize weapons from several gendarmerie and police stations.
“These individuals attacked the Nkoulouloun gendarmerie brigade and the 2nd and 5th district public security stations in the city of Douala, with the clear objective of setting them on fire and seizing the weapons found in those units. In the ensuing exchange, several members of the security forces were injured, and four people unfortunately lost their lives,” he explained.
The statement did not name the victims, said to have been under the influence of drugs, nor did it indicate how many security personnel were injured. It appeared inconsistent with video footage that emerged from the scene, depicting security forces shooting unarmed demonstrators at close range.
He said investigations are underway to identify those responsible and warned of impending legal action.
