Cameroon's President Biya Secures Eighth Term Amid Violence and Controversy

Sat Dec 06 2025 22:08:05 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

President Paul Biya, aged 92, wins an eighth term in a disputed election marked by violence and unrest, as opposition claims of electoral fraud escalate tensions in the country.

Paul Biya, Cameroon's aging president, has been declared the winner of the recent presidential election with 53.7% of the vote. The election has been criticized for alleged electoral malpractice and violent protests following the results, leading to numerous clashes between opposition supporters and security forces. The situation remains tense, with citizens voicing concerns over the future of Cameroon under Biya's extended rule.

Cameroon's 92-year-old president has won a controversial eighth term, in a fiercely disputed election.

Paul Biya, who is the world's oldest head of state, won 53.7% of the vote, compared to the 35.2% of opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, the Constitutional Council declared.

Before the announcement, Tchiroma Bakary - a former Biya ally - insisted he had won the election, but the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) dismissed his claim.

The election, held on 12 October, has been marred with deadly violence, with hundreds of Tchiroma Bakary's supporters defying protest bans and clashing with security forces. At least four people were killed in violent protests in Douala during the aftermath of the election results.

On Monday, unrest continued, leading to fatalities near Tchiroma Bakary's residence. Meanwhile, protesters voiced their accusations against the CPDM for attempting to steal the victory from the opposition leader.

The tense atmosphere has led to near-total closures in the capital, Yaoundé, as citizens braced themselves for further unrest.

Despite the election being contested by ten candidates, with a 58% voter turnout, multiple petitions alleging electoral malpractice have been rejected by the Constitutional Council.

Amidst the turmoil, President Biya's government has celebrated his victory while he himself remains largely absent from public address, often spending time abroad in Switzerland. Critics, however, point to stagnant economic conditions and a violent separatist insurgency as hallmarks of his long tenure, which began in 1982.

As analysts warn of potential political turmoil, calls grow for a national mediation to ease tensions and restore faith in the electoral process in Cameroon.