Controversy Surges as Paul Biya Secures Eighth Term in Cameroon

Mon Nov 10 2025 23:02:38 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a fiercely contested election, Paul Biya, at 92, has won his eighth term as president of Cameroon amid violence and allegations of electoral malpractice, raising concerns about the nation's stability.

Paul Biya, the world's oldest serving leader, has secured a contentious eighth term in office with 53.7% of the votes in the October 12 election. His victory has been met with significant protests and violent clashes, particularly from supporters of his main rival, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who claimed electoral fraud. Following the results, unrest has spread across Cameroon, with at least four deaths reported during protests. Biya's administration faces mounting criticism over economic decline and regional instability, particularly in the context of a long-standing separatist conflict. Analysts warn that this election outcome might further escalate political tensions across the nation.

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, and in recent days, hundreds of Tchiroma Bakary's supporters have defied protest bans in several cities, and clashed with security forces.

Biya thanked voters for once again trusting him. I sincerely hope that, together, we resolutely undertake to build a peaceful, united and prosperous Cameroon, he said in a statement.

On Sunday, at least four people were killed during protests in Cameroon's economic capital of Douala. The regional governor, Samuel Dieudonné Diboua, said police posts had come under attack and security forces had defended themselves.

The unrest continued on Monday, when a number of people were shot dead near Tchiroma Bakary's residence in the city of Garoua, a local journalist on the scene reported. Meanwhile, Tchiroma Bakary claimed that snipers were firing at civilians gathered outside his home.

Protesters expressed concerns over what they said was a plan by the ruling CPDM to steal the victory from Tchiroma Bakary.

The situation in the capital, Yaoundé, remains tense with most shops and schools closed and many civil servants staying home.

Biya's victory has been described by the governing party as under the sign of greatness and hope, despite his longstanding leadership having faced criticism for economic mismanagement, regional violence, and limitations on freedom of speech.

Local sentiments reflect a mix of skepticism and calls for peace amidst the aftermath of the election results. Analysts warn that the potential for escalating political turmoil looms if the perceptions of electoral fraud continue to fester.