Paul Biya Secures Eighth Term Amidst Violence and Controversy in Cameroon

Sat Dec 06 2025 22:08:37 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Cameroon's 92-year-old President Paul Biya has won his eighth term in a contentious election characterized by violence and widespread protests against alleged electoral malpractice. Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary has claimed he won, sparking unrest across the nation.

In a fiercely contested election, Paul Biya, age 92, secured his eighth presidential term with 53.7% of the vote, despite significant claims of election rigging and violent protests from the opposition. The election fallout includes clashes between supporters of opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary and security forces, leading to multiple fatalities and heightened political tensions.

In a controversial election marked by violence and allegations of misconduct, 92-year-old Paul Biya has secured his eighth term as President of Cameroon. Biya, who is the oldest serving head of state globally, received 53.7% of the votes, while opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary secured 35.2%, as declared by the Constitutional Council.

Prior to the announcement, Tchiroma Bakary, once a close ally of Biya, expressed confidence in his victory, but the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) swiftly dismissed his claims. The election, which took place on October 12, has been marred by incidents of violence; protestors have clashed with security forces in several cities, with reports of casualties including at least four deaths in Douala over the weekend.

Biya expressed gratitude to voters for their trust and conveyed hopes for a united and prosperous Cameroon. However, violent unrest persisted with reports of additional shootings and confrontations centered around Tchiroma Bakary's residence.

Following the election, tension remained high in the capital, Yaoundé, where most businesses and schools stayed closed amidst a tense atmosphere. While some residents expressed despair over the election's outcome, others called for acceptance of the results to maintain peace.

The governing CPDM celebrated Biya's victory but faces significant criticism for governance issues, including widespread poverty, corruption, and unrest in the English-speaking regions. Analysts warn that failing to address the populace's discontent could plunge Cameroon into further political strife.