Paul Biya Wins Eighth Term as Cameroon’s President Amid Protests and Controversy

Cameroon’s long-serving president, Paul Biya, has secured a controversial eighth term in office following the country’s presidential election held on October 12, 2025. Official results released by the Constitutional Council on Monday showed Biya winning 53.7 percent of the vote, extending his more than four-decade rule.

His main rival and former minister, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, came second with 35.2 percent, though he had earlier declared himself the winner, citing his campaign’s independent tally that put him ahead with 54.8 percent. The opposition has since rejected the official results, calling them fraudulent and accusing the ruling party of manipulating the process.

Tensions have flared across the country since the announcement of the results. In the economic capital, Douala, at least four people were confirmed dead following violent clashes between opposition supporters and security forces. Eyewitnesses reported that police used tear gas and live bullets to disperse protesters demanding Biya’s resignation.

The government has defended the security forces’ actions, claiming they acted to restore order amid what it described as “unauthorized demonstrations.” However, human rights groups have condemned the use of force and called for an independent investigation into the deaths.

Biya, who is 92 years old, first came to power in 1982, making him Africa’s oldest serving head of state and one of the longest-ruling leaders in the world. His continued hold on power has been marked by accusations of authoritarianism, corruption, and electoral manipulation. Despite repeated calls for political reform, Biya’s regime has consistently silenced dissent through tight control of state institutions and media.

Critics argue that Biya’s re-election underscores Cameroon’s democratic decline, where elections are seen more as formalities than genuine contests. Opposition figures have long complained about a lack of transparency, restricted political participation, and intimidation of voters.

International observers have expressed concern over the conduct of the polls, urging both the government and opposition to exercise restraint. The African Union and other regional bodies have called for dialogue to prevent further violence and to restore public confidence in Cameroon’s electoral process.

With this victory, Paul Biya is set to remain in power until at least 2032, deepening fears of further political stagnation in the Central African nation. As opposition parties consider legal and street-based challenges, Cameroonians brace for what could be another turbulent chapter in the country’s history.