Cameroon: EU condemns use of firearms on civilians as violence spreads
Violence continues to spread across Cameroon on Tuesday, one day after the Constitutional Council declared President Paul Biya the winner of the country’s disputed presidential election. The announcement had triggered a wave of unrest, with reports of arson, looting, and clashes erupting in the commercial city of Douala, and Mbouda, Bertoua, and Batouri. Journalists on […]
A vehicle destroyed, during clashes after the announcement of the reelection of Cameroon’s President Paul Biya as president for an eighth term in Cameroon.
Violence continues to spread across Cameroon on Tuesday, one day after the Constitutional Council declared President Paul Biya the winner of the country’s disputed presidential election.
The announcement had triggered a wave of unrest, with reports of arson, looting, and clashes erupting in the commercial city of Douala, and Mbouda, Bertoua, and Batouri.
Journalists on the ground report that acts of arson, explosions, and looting are ongoing in Douala, Mbouda, and Bertoua.
The central police station in Bertoua is reportedly under threat. In Batouri, located in the eastern region, protesters have taken to the streets, and clashes are intensifying.
In Mbanga, Njombé, and Souza, rumours of Ambazonian presence have prompted teachers to send children home, adding to the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
Security forces have responded with live ammunition, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse demonstrators. What began as peaceful protests has evolved into chaos in several cities.
Security forces have reportedly recovered bags of rice stolen during the unrest in Douala.
One of the journalists added that the situation remains fluid, with more regions potentially joining the unrest in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the European Union has condemned the use of firearms against protesting civilians in the aftermath of the announcement of the results of the presidential election.
The EU, in a statement by its spokesperson on Tuesday, said it was deeply concerned about the violent repression of the demonstrations that took place on 26 and 27 October 2025.
It said it deplored the death by firearm of some civilians, while further stressing the importance of ensuring the safety and physical integrity of all political actors in this process.
The European Union called on the authorities of Cameroon for accountability, transparency and justice to tackle instances of excessive use of violence and human rights violations.
It also called for the release of all those arbitrarily detained since the presidential elections.
The European Union urged all sides to maintain restraint and refrain from any action that may further exacerbate tensions, encouraging all political and social actors to swiftly engage in a constructive dialogue.
It recalled that its partnership with Cameroon is based on the Samoa Agreement, which promotes the principles of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law.
“In this context, it underlines the shared commitment to respecting the freedoms of association, assembly and expression, also enshrined in the Constitution of Cameroon,” the EU added.
Also, Amnesty International Africa has urged Cameroonian authorities to respect, protect, and facilitate the right to peaceful assembly, and is calling for a prompt, independent, and impartial investigation into the reported deaths during the protests.