By Ghazali Ibrahim
Cameroon’s veteran president, Paul Biya, has been officially re‑elected for an eighth term, according to the country’s Constitutional Council.
The 92‑year‑old leader secured 53.66 % of the vote in the October 12 presidential election, while main challenger Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former ally turned opposition candidate, obtained 35.19 %.
Biya, who first took office in 1982 and abolished presidential term limits in 2008, now looks to extend his grip on power until potentially 2032.
Tchiroma rejected the official outcome, claiming his own coalition‑based tally showed a winning margin and accusing security forces of firing on civilians during protests in the northern city of Garoua.
He wrote: “Shooting point‑blank at your own brothers — I can’t help but wonder if you’re mercenaries” in a social‑media post following the result announcement.
In the days leading up to the announcement, Cameroon experienced serious unrest. In Douala alone, at least four people were killed and more than 100 arrested in clashes between protesters and security forces. A ban on public gatherings and internet disruptions were also reported.
Observer missions offered mixed assessments. The African Union said the poll was “largely in accordance with regional, continental and international standards,” while opposition figures and civil‑society monitors pointed to irregularities such as deceased individuals on voter rolls and alleged ballot‑stuffing.
