Cameroon on the Brink: 92-Year-Old Biya Wins 8th Term Amid Deadly Protests and Fraud Allegations
Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, the world's oldest head of state at 92, has been declared the winner of a fiercely disputed election, securing a controversial eighth term. The announcement by the Constitutional Council has plunged the nation into crisis, triggering deadly protests and accusations of a "stolen victory" from his main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary.
A Contested Victory
On Monday, Clement Atangana, president of the Constitutional Council, officially declared the results, stating, "Hereby proclaimed President-elect: the candidate Biya Paul." According to the council, Biya secured 53.7% of the vote from the October 12 election, while his main opponent, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, received 35.2%. The voter turnout was reported at 58%.
Tchiroma Bakary, a former Biya ally, had preemptively declared victory days before the official announcement, insisting he had won. After the results were proclaimed, he denounced the process as a "masquerade," stating, "We won unequivocally." The Constitutional Council rejected at least 10 petitions from the opposition alleging electoral malpractice.
Deadly Clashes and Rising Tensions
The fiercely disputed election has been marred by deadly violence. On Sunday, at least four people were killed during protests in the economic capital of Douala as security forces clashed with Tchiroma Bakary's supporters. The regional governor claimed police posts had come under attack and security forces acted in self-defense. The unrest continued on Monday, with reports of several people shot dead near Tchiroma's residence in the city of Garoua.
Following the results, Tchiroma claimed on Facebook that snipers were stationed at a house across from his, "firing at point-blank range at the people." He later added: "Kill me if you want, but I will liberate this country by any means necessary. What blatant impunity." The situation in major cities like Yaoundé remains tense, with shops and schools closed and a heavy security presence.
The 43-Year Reign of Paul Biya
President Biya took office in 1982 and has held a tight grip on power for 43 years, making him the world's oldest and one of its longest-serving rulers. He abolished presidential term limits in 2008, allowing him to extend his rule indefinitely. His new seven-year term could keep him in power until he is nearly 100 years old. He is rarely seen in public and is known for extended stays in luxury Swiss hotels, which have previously fueled rumors of his death.
While his leadership is praised by some for expanding schools and peacefully resolving the Bakassi peninsula dispute with Nigeria, his tenure has been heavily criticized. His critics point to a violent separatist insurgency in the English-speaking west, rampant youth unemployment, crumbling infrastructure, and severe limitations on freedom of speech. Analysts warn that his "shaky mandate" could push the once-peaceful country further into turmoil.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the official results from the Constitutional Council, incumbent President Paul Biya won with 53.7% of the vote, securing his eighth term in office.
The election is controversial because the main opposition candidate, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, claims the victory was "stolen." His supporters have held protests, leading to deadly clashes with security forces. There are widespread allegations of electoral malpractice.
Paul Biya has been in power since 1982, a total of 43 years. At 92 years old, he is the world's oldest serving head of state.
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