Cameroon's largest city came to a halt on Monday, as streets once crowded with traders and taxis echoed with silence as protests - marked by widespread shutdowns and fear of violence - continued to paralyse daily activity.
Footage shows closed markets and storage facilities, with only a few vehicles and pedestrians moving through the city's main arteries. The shutdowns, initially launched as acts of civil resistance, have evolved into a more profound economic crisis.
"You leave from the airport and arrive at the Bihipur entrance in Douala, where you see a gendarmerie van that people call 'Mami-Wata'," explained economist Dr Jean Marie Biada. "Next to it stands the GPIGN, our elite unit trained by France's GIGN. When we see these troops pre-positioned in places where violence can erupt, it shows that the social temperature is not normal."
Many businesses have closed their doors amid fears of looting and unrest. Economists warn that the ongoing paralysis could push the state toward financial instability.
"If I have one message to convey, it's this: let's stop this quickly," Biada urged, adding, "If this continues for a month or two, the State could find itself in a precarious situation. Financial institutions might start viewing Cameroon as a risky client.”
Locals say the atmosphere is tense. "No one wants to put their life in danger, because we saw what happened on the day the results were announced. We have a saying here: when the snake bites you, you see the centipede and you run away," said motorbike taxi driver Rodrigue Tullong.
Yet, Tullong explains, many have no choice but to return to work to feed their families.
"We go out because things are not going well. Children at home don't know if their parents have money - they just hold out their hands in the morning. Are parents forced to fight like this? Because if danger comes, it will affect us first," a local commented.
The unrest follows the announcement of President Paul Biya's re-election, which extends his rule beyond 40 years. Opposition figures and human rights groups have accused Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) of fraud, intimidation, and manipulation of the vote count.
According to the Cameroon Human Rights Committee, at least three people have been killed and dozens injured since protests began earlier this week.
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