Cameroon on edge amid protests, arrests and internet blackout after election dispute
Internet monitoring group NetBlocks confirmed the outage and warned that it could hinder coverage of developments across the country.
Cameroon is facing a major internet blackout amid growing protests over the disputed presidential election, sparking fears of escalating violence and restricted access to information.
Internet monitoring group NetBlocks confirmed the outage and warned that it could hinder coverage of developments across the country.
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“Confirmed: Metrics show a disruption to internet connectivity in Cameroon, also impacting neighbouring countries. The incident may limit coverage of events on the ground amid calls to annul presidential election results as President Biya seeks to extend his 43 years in power,” NetBlocks wrote on X on Thursday.
The disruption began after the Constitutional Council on Wednesday dismissed all petitions challenging the October 12 presidential election results, clearing the path for 92-year-old President Paul Biya to remain in power.
Electoral irregularities
Opposition leaders have accused the government of widespread electoral irregularities, including ballot manipulation, voter intimidation and opaque vote counting.
Protests have since erupted in several major cities — Yaoundé, Douala, Maroua and Garoua — with eyewitnesses reporting clashes between security forces and opposition supporters. Tear gas was used, and multiple arrests were made.
NetBlocks observed that the timing of the blackout coincides with the political unrest, suggesting it could be a deliberate move to limit the flow of information.
The Cameroonian government has yet to issue a statement on either the internet outages or the protests. Similar restrictions have previously been imposed during politically sensitive moments, particularly in the English-speaking regions affected by separatist tensions.
Analysts warn that the current standoff could further deepen the country’s long-standing political divisions. Human rights organisations have urged authorities to respect citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and free access to information while ensuring transparency in the electoral process.
With the final election results expected soon, Cameroon now faces growing scrutiny from international partners and regional bodies over its democratic credentials and handling of dissent.
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