Cameroon has witnessed the launch of “Ghost Town” protests, a form of civil resistance called by presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, following the controversial re-election of President Paul Biya.
Response to the protests varied across regions: relative calm in Douala with limited business activity, while Banyo in the Adamawa region saw violent clashes.
In Garoua, Bakary’s hometown, residents observed the strike almost completely, whereas Yaoundé and southern areas remained largely unaffected.
According to civil society sources, the unrest has left 39 civilians dead and resulted in around 2,000 arrests.
Human rights groups and civil activists are working to document the events and offer legal aid to detainees, expressing concern over official censorship and the trial of civilians before military courts.
