By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Amnesty International Africa has called on Cameroonian authorities to respect citizens’ rights to peaceful protest and launch an independent investigation into reported deaths as post-election violence intensifies across the country.
The appeal follows widespread unrest that erupted after the Constitutional Council declared President Paul Biya winner of the disputed presidential election, extending his more than four-decade rule.
The 92-year-old leader was announced to have secured 53.66 percent of the vote, defeating his main challenger, Maurice Kamto of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement, who has since rejected the results, alleging massive irregularities and fraud.
Protests have turned violent in major cities including Douala, Mbouda, Bertoua, and Batouri, with reports of arson, looting, and clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
Witnesses say police and soldiers have used live ammunition, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse angry crowds, while several public buildings and shops were set ablaze.
In Bertoua, the central police station reportedly came under threat, while in Batouri, protesters occupied parts of the main streets, defying curfews imposed by local authorities.
The violence has also spread to Mbanga, Njombé, and Souza, where rumors of Ambazonian separatist presence prompted teachers to send pupils home for safety.
Authorities in Douala confirmed recovering bags of rice and other items looted during the chaos, as tension remains high across affected areas.
Journalists monitoring the situation said the unrest could spread further in the coming days if calm is not restored.
Amnesty International urged the government to “protect, respect, and facilitate” the right to peaceful assembly and ensure accountability for any unlawful use of force by security personnel.