Cameroon’s Paul Biya Wins Sixth Term Amid Protests and Violence
Cameroon’s Constitutional Council confirmed today that 92-year-old Paul Biya has won the October 12th presidential election, extending his nearly 42-year rule despite ongoing protests and reports of deadly clashes between security forces and opposition supporters.
Biya secured 53.66% of the vote, while his former ally, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, received 35.19%, according to the official results announced Monday. The election, which saw a 57.7% turnout, has highlighted growing discontent among Cameroon’s youth, with over 70% of the population under the age of 35. The outcome raises concerns about the future of political change in the Central African nation, where Biya has amended the constitution to remove term limits.
Following the announcement, Tchiroma alleged that security forces shot and killed two civilians in his hometown of Garoua, stating in a social media post, “Shooting point-blank at your own brothers — I can’t help but wonder if you’re mercenaries.” Reports indicate at least four protesters were killed Sunday in Douala during demonstrations that saw clashes with police using tear gas and protesters erecting barricades. Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua, governor of the Littoral Region, reported 105 arrests and injuries to security forces. Cameroon has faced increasing instability in recent years, including conflict with Boko Haram in the north and a separatist insurgency in the English-speaking regions, which has resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement.
Biya acknowledged the loss of life in a statement, expressing his condolences to the families of those affected. Despite accusations of irregularities, including deceased voters on electoral lists and ballot stuffing, a group of eight local civil society groups, and the African Union mission, deemed the election largely compliant with standards. However, many citizens express pessimism about the future, with one resident of Maroua stating, “Nothing will change.”
The government has stated it will investigate the reports of violence, and officials anticipate continued monitoring of the situation as the country navigates this period of political tension.
