Cameroon’s President Paul Biya Secures Eighth Term Despite Protests and Age Concerns at 92

Paul Biya Secures eighth Term as Cameroon President Amid Disputed Election

Yaoundé, Cameroon – Official results announced Monday confirmed Paul Biya, the world’s oldest Head of State, as the winner of Cameroon’s Presidential Election. This victory grants the 92-year-old leader an unprecedented eighth term in office, igniting widespread protests and accusations of electoral fraud.

Biya, who has governed Cameroon since 1982, secured 53.7% of the vote, according to the Constitutional Council.His primary challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, received 35.2%. The announcement has triggered unrest in several cities across the nation.

A Nation divided: Reactions to the Election Results

Protests have erupted in Douala, Garoua and the capital, Yaoundé, following the declaration of Biya’s win. Security forces have responded wiht force, resulting in at least four reported fatalities in recent days, along with the arrest of dozens of opposition figures and activists.

the atmosphere in Yaoundé is tense. Streets are largely deserted, businesses are closed, and armored vehicles patrol key intersections. Many residents express fear and reluctance to voice their opinions openly, a sign of the constrained political surroundings within Cameroon.

Disputed Results and Allegations of Fraud

Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary has vehemently rejected the official results, claiming victory prior to the official announcement. He alleges widespread irregularities and accuses the government of attempting to silence dissent, even claiming sniper positions near his residence.

Independent tallies from various polling stations indicated that Tchiroma Bakary was leading, adding fuel to the allegations of manipulation. The disqualification of prominent opposition figure Maurice Kamto, due to internal party disputes, has further diminished faith in the electoral process.

According to data from the World Population Review, Cameroon’s median age is just 19, making it one of the youngest nations globally – yet it’s ruled by one of the world’s oldest leaders.

Cameroon’s Ongoing Challenges

Cameroon faces a complex web of crises, including ongoing jihadist violence in the north, a separatists insurgency in the western regions, and deeply entrenched corruption. These multifaceted challenges contribute to the growing unrest and demand for political change.

Biya’s campaign was characterized by limited public appearances. He made only one public address during the entire campaign period, and after the announcement of his victory, he only released a brief written statement, declining to directly address the nation.

Did You Know? Cameroon’s political landscape has been dominated by a single party, the cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), for over three decades.

Leader	Age (as of Oct 28, 2025)	Years in Power	Vote share (2025 Election)
Paul Biya	92	43	53.7%
Issa Tchiroma Bakary	79	0	35.2%

the implications of this contested election extend beyond Cameroon’s borders. The country’s stability is crucial for the entire Central African region, and the outcome could potentially influence the political landscape across the continent.

understanding Cameroonian Politics: A Historical Overview

Cameroon gained independence from France and the United Kingdom in 1960. Paul biya rose to power in 1982,succeeding President Ahmadou Ahidjo. Over the decades, Biya has consolidated his control through a combination of political maneuvering and the suppression of opposition. While Cameroon has experienced periods of economic growth, corruption and inequality remain important challenges. The Anglophone Crisis, a conflict between Francophone-dominated government forces and Anglophone separatists in the Northwest and Southwest regions, has exacerbated tensions and led to a humanitarian crisis.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cameroonian Election

What are your thoughts on the future of Cameroon’s political landscape? Do you think the international community should intervene to address the concerns surrounding the election?

What are the potential implications of Paul Biya’s advanced age and extended tenure on cameroon’s political stability and future leadership transitions?

The Longevity of Paul Biya: A Political Dynasty

Paul Biya, the world’s oldest head of state at 92, has secured an eighth term as President of Cameroon, sparking both party amongst supporters and widespread protests fueled by accusations of electoral fraud and growing concerns over his advanced age and capacity to govern. The October 2025 election results, announced by the Constitutional Council, confirmed Biya’s victory with a reported 87% of the vote – a figure vehemently disputed by opposition leaders. This win extends his already remarkable 42-year rule, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving presidents. Key opposition figures, like Maurice Kamto, have denounced the election as a “sham” and called for international intervention.

Election Controversies and Allegations of Fraud

the 2025 presidential election was marred by allegations of widespread irregularities, including:

* Voter Suppression: Reports surfaced of intimidation tactics employed to discourage opposition supporters from voting, especially in the Anglophone regions.

* Ballot Stuffing: Numerous observers documented instances of pre-filled ballot boxes and manipulated vote counts.

* Limited Access for Observers: International election monitoring teams faced restrictions in accessing polling stations,hindering self-reliant verification of the results.

* Low Voter Turnout: Official figures indicate a significantly low voter turnout,raising questions about the legitimacy of the election and the level of public participation.

These claims have fueled protests in major cities like Yaoundé and Douala, met with a heavy-handed response from security forces. Human rights organizations have documented instances of arbitrary arrests and excessive force used against peaceful demonstrators. The Cameroonian government maintains the election was free and fair, dismissing the allegations as politically motivated.

The Anglophone Crisis: A Deepening Divide

biya’s continued rule is inextricably linked to the ongoing anglophone Crisis, a conflict rooted in historical grievances and political marginalization. The crisis began in 2016 when lawyers and teachers in the English-speaking Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon protested against the imposition of french language and legal practices. This escalated into an armed conflict between separatist groups seeking independence and the Cameroonian military.

* Humanitarian impact: The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, widespread displacement, and a severe humanitarian crisis. Over 600,000 peopel have been internally displaced, and access to essential services like healthcare and education has been severely disrupted.

* Political Stalemate: despite numerous attempts at dialog, a lasting solution to the crisis remains elusive.The government’s approach, characterized by military intervention and limited concessions, has been criticized by international observers.

* Separatist Movements: Several armed groups, including the Ambazonia Defense Force (ADF), are actively fighting for the independence of the Anglophone regions.

Biya’s handling of the Anglophone Crisis has been a major source of criticism, with many accusing him of failing to address the root causes of the conflict and prioritizing military solutions over political dialogue.

Age and Capacity to Govern: A Growing Concern

At 92, Paul Biya’s age and health have become increasingly prominent concerns. Critics question his ability to effectively govern a country facing multiple challenges, including the anglophone Crisis, economic stagnation, and rising corruption.

* Public Appearances: Biya’s public appearances have become increasingly infrequent, fueling speculation about his health.

* Decision-Making Process: concerns have been raised about the concentration of power within a small circle of advisors and the lack of clarity in the decision-making process.

* Succession Planning: The absence of a clear succession plan adds to the uncertainty surrounding Cameroon’s political future.There is no designated vice president or clear heir apparent.

While supporters emphasize Biya’s experience and stability, opponents argue that his age and declining health are hindering Cameroon’s progress and exacerbating existing problems.

Economic Challenges and Corruption

Cameroon’s economy, heavily reliant on oil and agriculture, faces important challenges. Despite being a major oil producer, the country struggles with high levels of poverty and unemployment.

* Corruption: Corruption is endemic in Cameroon, hindering economic development and undermining public trust. Transparency International consistently ranks Cameroon poorly in its corruption Perception Index.

* Diversification efforts: The government has made efforts to diversify the economy,but progress has been slow.

* Debt Burden: Cameroon’s debt burden has been increasing in recent years, raising concerns about its long-term economic sustainability.

Biya’s long tenure has been marked by accusations of mismanagement and corruption, with critics alleging that resources have been diverted for personal gain rather than invested in public services and infrastructure.

International Response and Diplomatic Pressure

The international community has expressed concerns about the electoral irregularities and the ongoing crisis in Cameroon.

* United Nations: The UN has called for a peaceful resolution to the Anglophone Crisis and urged the Cameroonian government to respect human rights.

* African Union: The