Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has been declared the winner of the country’s fiercely contested presidential election, extending his decades-long rule despite mounting criticism and allegations of electoral fraud.
The 92-year-old leader, already the world’s oldest serving head of state, will now begin his eighth consecutive term in office, having first assumed power in 1982. The announcement by the Constitutional Council came amid widespread tension and accusations from opposition groups that the result was manipulated to favour the ruling party.
Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary had earlier rejected the official results, declaring himself the rightful winner and alleging that the council’s declaration would reflect a “tainted outcome.” His supporters have continued to protest across parts of the country, despite a government ban on demonstrations.
Reports from local media indicate that at least four people were killed on Sunday in clashes between protesters and security forces in Douala, Cameroon’s commercial hub. In the English-speaking city of Bamenda, streets were largely deserted as residents stayed indoors out of fear of escalating violence.
Biya’s re-election comes despite calls from civil society and the international community for him to step down after more than four decades in power. Critics accuse his government of suppressing dissent, stifling press freedom, and manipulating the electoral process to maintain its grip on power.
During the campaign period, Biya appeared only once at a public rally, where he told supporters that “the best is still to come.” His renewed seven-year mandate means he could remain in power until 2032 — by which time he would be nearly 100 years old.
Allegations of vote rigging have long plagued Biya’s tenure, with opposition figures and observers frequently questioning the transparency of Cameroon’s electoral system. The government and Biya’s party, however, have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the elections were conducted freely and fairly.
As Biya prepares to extend his rule into a fifth decade, tensions remain high across Cameroon, with many citizens uncertain about what lies ahead for the country’s fragile democracy.
Melissa Enoch
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