Authorities say at least four people have been killed during protests in Cameroon’s economic capital, Douala, ahead of the official announcement of the country’s disputed presidential election results. Governor Samuel Dieudonné Diboua reported that police stations were attacked, prompting security forces to defend themselves. Hundreds of opposition supporters backing candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary defied a ban on public gatherings and took to the streets in several cities, clashing with security officers.

Tchiroma Bakary has insisted he won the October 12 election, seeking to unseat long-serving President Paul Biya, who has been in power for 43 years. The ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (RDPC) dismissed his claims. Governor Diboua condemned the protests, describing them as “deliberate acts of violence” and “a serious assault on public order and national security.”

“It is unfortunate that four people lost their lives,” he said, adding that several security officers were also injured. “Investigations have begun to shed light on these tragic events,” he added, warning that those responsible would face consequences.

Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse Tchiroma Bakary’s supporters in Garoua, a northern city known as an opposition stronghold. Protesters accused the ruling party of attempting to “steal” Tchiroma’s victory.

The demonstrations followed Tchiroma Bakary’s call for peaceful protests across the country and abroad to “liberate Cameroon.” Authorities have since banned all public gatherings until Monday, when the Constitutional Council is expected to announce the official results.

In Garoua, the protests began peacefully but quickly turned chaotic as security forces fired tear gas into the crowd of hundreds gathered in support of Tchiroma. One placard read, “We are not here to cause chaos. We are asking for the truth about the election results.” Another protester held a sign appealing to U.S. President Donald Trump for help.

“We are here to claim our victory,” said another demonstrator. “We are marching peacefully, which is the right of every Cameroonian citizen.”

Protests also spread to Douala, in the country’s southwest, where demonstrators chanted, “We want Tchiroma! We want Tchiroma!” according to Reuters.

Earlier, Tchiroma told the BBC that he would not accept “stolen votes,” claiming his campaign had collected parallel results from polling stations across the country. In a video statement shared on social media, he asserted that he had won nearly 55% of the vote, based on what he described as results from 80% of polling centers.

The 76-year-old former minister, once an ally of Biya, broke ranks earlier this year. Biya, 92, is seeking another term after more than four decades in power. The RDPC dismissed Tchiroma’s victory claims as “baseless,” emphasizing that only the Constitutional Council has the legal authority to declare results.

Opposition supporters have alleged widespread irregularities, including ballot stuffing and inflated voter tallies. However, the Constitutional Council rejected eight petitions challenging the election, citing a lack of evidence or jurisdiction to overturn results.

Tchiroma declined to file a petition with the Council, whose judges were appointed by Biya, instead proclaiming himself “the legitimate president.”

Born in Garoua, Tchiroma studied engineering in France before returning to Cameroon to work in the national railway corporation. In 1984, he was imprisoned for six years after being accused of involvement in an attempted coup against Biyacharges he denied and was never convicted of.

He later served as Minister of Communication from 2009 to 2019, during which he strongly defended Biya’s government amid various crises, including accusations of military abuses against civilians in the fight against Boko Haram.

In June this yearjust four months before the general electionsTchiroma dramatically resigned from his government post and announced his candidacy to challenge Biya for the presidency.