Keypoints:
- Detentions heighten tension before poll ruling
- Government alleges ‘insurrection scheme’
- Opposition rejects accusations of unrest
CAMEROON authorities have detained around 30 opposition politicians and activists linked to presidential challenger Issa Tchiroma, his campaign said on Sunday. The move has fuelled mounting tension ahead of the official announcement of the October 12 election results in the cocoa- and oil-producing Central African nation.
Prominent among those detained are Anicet Ekane, leader of the MANIDEM party, and Djeukam Tchameni, a senior figure in the Union for Change movement. Both publicly endorsed Tchiroma during the campaign. Their arrests follow days of clashes between security forces and opposition supporters demanding transparency.
The detentions are being interpreted by activists as an attempt to stifle dissent, with several opposition figures alleging government intimidation.
Government alleges threat of ‘insurrection’
Interior minister Paul Atanga Nji confirmed the arrests on Saturday, characterising them as linked to what he described as an emerging ‘insurrectional movement’. He declined to reveal the number or names of detainees.
‘Calls for protests by certain politicians with an obsession for power undoubtedly create conditions for a security crisis and contribute to the implementation of the insurrection scheme,’ Nji said during a press conference.
Authorities have intensified warnings in recent months, cautioning citizens against participating in unauthorised public demonstrations, citing the need to preserve public order.
Tchiroma dismisses accusations, claims victory
Posting on his campaign’s Facebook page on Sunday, Tchiroma rejected the government’s claims and alleged that officials had attempted to negotiate privately with several detainees prior to their arrest.
The former minister has claimed victory in the election and insists he will not accept any other outcome issued by the Constitutional Council. Analysts warn such declarations risk inflaming partisan sentiment.
Once an ally of President Paul Biya, Tchiroma has become one of the most vocal critics of the ruling establishment. His challenge has tapped into frustration among younger voters, who cite economic stagnation and governance fatigue.
Protests flare in multiple cities
Demonstrations have erupted across several urban centres after partial tallies reported by local media suggested President Biya was on course to secure another term. While some protests have remained peaceful, there have been reports of confrontations involving tear gas and arrests.
In the commercial hub of Douala, increased military presence has been observed near government offices. In the capital, Yaoundé, security checkpoints have multiplied, prompting concerns about freedom of movement.
Human rights groups have raised alarms over the detentions, calling for due process and urging authorities not to criminalise political expression.
Biya poised to extend decades-long rule
Biya, aged 92, is the world’s oldest ruling president. He has been in power since 1982. Should the Constitutional Council declare him the winner on Monday, he would secure another seven-year term.
Critics argue that Biya’s prolonged tenure has entrenched patronage networks and slowed institutional reform. Supporters, however, view his continued rule as a stabilising force in a volatile region.
Regional observers warn that Monday’s verdict may deepen political divisions regardless of the outcome. The combination of opposition defiance, government pressure, and street-level unrest has sparked fears of a prolonged dispute over legitimacy.
