By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Violence continues to spread across Cameroon following the declaration of President Paul Biya as winner of the country’s disputed presidential election. Sporadic gunfire has reportedly broken out in the West Region city of Bafoussam, adding to the growing unrest and fear among residents.
In Souza and Njombe, both in the Littoral Region, panic spread on Monday as parents rushed to withdraw their children from schools after rumours circulated that Ambazonian separatist fighters had entered the towns. Eyewitnesses said the situation caused heavy traffic and confusion as schools hurriedly closed for the day.
The growing tension comes barely 24 hours after the Constitutional Council announced Biya’s victory, granting him a controversial eighth term in office. At 92, Biya remains the world’s oldest serving head of state, extending his 43-year rule until 2032.
Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary has reaffirmed his rejection of the results, calling them “illegitimate” and vowing not to recognise the outcome. He accused the electoral body of manipulating figures in favour of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM).
“The people’s mandate has been stolen once again,” Bakary said during a press briefing in Yaoundé, urging citizens to remain calm but “firm in their resistance against electoral injustice.”
Reports from local media indicate that clashes erupted overnight in parts of Douala, Mbouda, and Bertoua, where protesters set up barricades and burned tyres on major roads. Security forces reportedly responded with tear gas and live ammunition to disperse demonstrators.
Residents in Bafoussam told Daily Trust that several shops and vehicles were vandalised during the night as gunfire echoed across parts of the city. “We could not sleep; the shooting started around 11pm and continued till morning,” said a local trader who identified himself as Jean-Pierre.
Security sources confirmed that troops have been deployed to Douala, Bafoussam, and Bamenda to restore order, while curfews have been imposed in some areas considered volatile. “Our priority is to protect lives and property,” a military spokesperson said.
Human rights groups have raised concerns over the use of force by security agencies, warning that the situation could escalate if dialogue is not initiated between the government and opposition groups.
As of Tuesday morning, calm was gradually returning to some parts of Douala, though fears remain high that renewed protests could erupt if the political impasse persists.