As the Constitutional Council proclaimed Paul Biya the winner of the presidential election, noisy joy swept through the ranks of the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM), contrasting sharply with the wave of protests and violence rocking several cities across the country.

As soon as President Paul Biya's re-election was confirmed, CPDM activists and supporters burst into joy. Cheers erupted from the Constitutional Council's courtroom to neighborhoods and villages, signaling the ruling party's satisfaction.

Meeting at the Central Committee headquarters in Yaoundé, the CPDM officially celebrated the victory under the chairmanship of its Secretary General, Jean Nkuete. Minister Grégoire Owona, Deputy Secretary General, expressed to the media the party's satisfaction at having obtained the expected mandate. Scenes of jubilation were reported in various locations, including Meyomesala (Yaoundé) and Foumban.

Shortly after the results were announced, President Paul Biya took to social media. He expressed his first thoughts to the victims of the post-election violence, stating that he wanted to work with the people to build "a Cameroon of peace, unity, and prosperity."

Demonstrations, deaths and destruction

Meanwhile, anger is erupting in the streets. Candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who had declared himself the winner and called for peaceful demonstrations to claim his victory, is at the center of the protests.

The violence has claimed several lives. In Garoua, near Mr. Tchiroma Bakary's residence, at least three gunshot deaths have been reported. In the same town, the mayor's residence and a private school belonging to a local elite were reportedly set on fire. In Guider, the courthouse was also set ablaze.

The economic metropolis of Douala has been particularly hard hit. Young people there are demonstrating, erecting barricades and burning tires to demand the re-elected head of state's departure. The home of the mayor of Douala 2 and a gas station were set on fire. The clashes caused the deaths of at least two more people during the day, bringing to at least six the death toll reported in Douala the day before by the governor, who also reported 105 arrests.

Looting of businesses (gas bottles, fish cartons, egg boxes) unfortunately accompanied these demonstrations in several localities.

In the eastern region, in Bertoua, a police vehicle was set on fire by protesters. Tensions also rose in Bafang, in the west, where the death of a young man reportedly led to the burning of the local CPDM party headquarters.

While the institutions have validated the official results, the country faces a major challenge: restoring calm and peace after an election whose results have exacerbated divisions.