Paul Biya Re-Elected at 92: Cameroon’s 43-Year Ruler Wins Amid Violence and Fraud Claims
Cameroon's 92-year-old president, Paul Biya, has won a controversial eighth term in a fiercely disputed election marred by deadly violence. The Constitutional Council declared Biya the winner with 53.66% of the vote, extending his 43-year rule amid widespread allegations of fraud and a tense political climate that threatens the stability of the nation.
A Victory Under Dispute
The Constitutional Council officially declared President Paul Biya the winner of the October 12th election with 53.66% of the vote. His main opponent, former minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary, was credited with 39.19%.
However, Tchiroma Bakary has vehemently rejected the outcome, claiming victory for himself just days after the poll. He condemned the official figures as "truncated results" designed to grant Biya a "fictitious victory" and has called on his supporters to mobilize against what he terms electoral theft. "There was no election, it was rather a masquerade," Tchiroma stated after the results were announced. "We won unequivocally."
Deadly Protests & Tense Atmosphere
The controversy has plunged Cameroon into a state of high tension. Supporters of Issa Tchiroma Bakary have defied protest bans, leading to violent clashes with security forces in major cities, including the economic capital, Douala. At least four civilians were killed during these confrontations.
The unrest continued following the result announcement, with reports of people being shot dead near Tchiroma Bakary's residence in the city of Garoua. The opposition leader claimed on social media that snipers were "firing at point-blank range" at civilians gathered outside his home. The tense atmosphere has led to the closure of shops and schools in the capital, Yaoundé, as citizens fear further violence.
Questions of Election Integrity
The election has been plagued by accusations of widespread irregularities. Opposition candidates and civil society organizations have reported numerous issues, including the presence of deceased persons on voter lists, unequal access to ballot papers, and attempts at ballot box stuffing. The Constitutional Council rejected at least 10 petitions alleging electoral malpractice before certifying the results.
While local groups have been highly critical, the African Union observer mission offered a more positive assessment, stating that the vote was largely conducted in line with regional and international standards.
Biya's 43-Year Rule and Cameroon's Challenges
Paul Biya, who first assumed power in 1982, is one of the world's longest-serving and oldest leaders. He has maintained a tight grip on power for 43 years, notably benefiting from the removal of presidential term limits in 2008. He is rarely seen in public and is known for extended stays in Swiss hotels, which has previously fueled rumors about his health.
His long tenure has been marked by significant challenges. A violent separatist insurgency has destabilized the English-speaking western regions for nearly a decade. The country also struggles with crumbling infrastructure, endemic corruption, and a severe lack of opportunities for its youth, with over half of young people aged 18 to 35 working in the informal sector.
An Uncertain Future
Analysts have warned that Cameroon, once considered peaceful, could descend into further political turmoil if the election results are not seen as credible by the populace. The silence in many cities following the announcement has been described as a "graveyard silence," reflecting widespread disillusionment.
Murithi Mutiga, Africa Program Director at the International Crisis Group, noted that "Biya now has a notably shaky mandate given many of his own citizens don't believe he won the election." With opposition figures refusing to concede and civil society calling for deep reforms, Cameroon faces a critical test of its ability to restore calm and prevent a deeper crisis.
David (Solar Sales)