GAROUA, Cameroon — A young teacher, identified as Zouhairatou Hassana, was shot dead during protests in Garoua on Tuesday, becoming the first reported fatality linked to post-election unrest following Cameroon’s high-stakes presidential vote. Neighbours alleged a police officer fired the fatal shot during clashes with demonstrators. Authorities have not publicly commented on the incident.
The country is awaiting official results due Thursday, 23 October. Cameroon’s national election commission has released preliminary tallies indicating President Paul Biya, 92, leads with just over 53% of votes, while opposition contender Issa Tchiroma Bakary stands at 35.19%. Tchiroma has rejected the figures, casting doubt on their credibility and urging supporters to remain mobilized.
Jeune Afrique reported that, before final results, Biya offered the post of prime minister to Tchiroma — a claim the outlet says Tchiroma declined. The opposition camp has not confirmed the report, and the presidency has not commented.
Demonstrations erupted in several cities after the preliminary numbers were announced, with protesters alleging irregularities and calling for transparency in tabulation. Security forces deployed heavily in urban centres, particularly in the north, where Garoua saw some of the most intense confrontations.
Biya, in power since 1982 and among Africa’s longest-serving leaders, has faced mounting criticism over what opponents describe as an increasingly autocratic rule, persistent corruption, and economic stagnation. The election took place amid continuing security crises, including separatist violence in the anglophone regions and sporadic extremist attacks in the north.
Rights groups have urged restraint and an independent investigation into Tuesday’s fatal shooting, while calling on authorities to safeguard the right to peaceful assembly. As the nation awaits Thursday’s proclamation, tensions remain high and both camps are bracing for a contested outcome.
