Protests Erupt in Cameroon After 92-Year-Old Paul Biya Declared Winner of Contested Election

Hundreds of Cameroonians poured into the streets on Monday to protest the re-election of President Paul Biya, 92, after the Constitutional Council declared him winner of a controversial vote extending his four-decade-long rule.

According to official results, Biya secured 53.7 percent of the vote, while opposition challenger and former minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary came second with 35.2 percent. The announcement sparked demonstrations in Douala, the country’s economic hub, and Garoua, Tchiroma’s northern hometown, despite government restrictions.

Security forces reportedly moved in to disperse protesters, continuing a weekend of deadly clashes that left at least four people dead.

Tchiroma swiftly rejected the official results, calling the election a sham.

“There was no election; it was rather a masquerade. We won unequivocally,” he told AFP.

He also alleged that two protesters were killed outside his Garoua residence, where security snipers were stationed on nearby rooftops.

Witnesses said police initially fired tear gas before using live ammunition to break up crowds in Douala.

The Constitutional Council reported voter turnout at 46.3 percent. Other candidates included Cabral Libii (3.4%), Bello Bouba Maigari (2.5%), and Hermine Patricia Tomaino Ndam Njoya (1.7%), the only female contender.

In a statement on social media, Biya expressed sorrow over the post-election violence:

“At a time when the sovereign people have once again placed their trust in me for a new term, my first thoughts go out to all those who have needlessly lost their lives and their families.”

The United Nations urged authorities to investigate the killings and ensure restraint.

“We’ve been receiving shocking reports of people killed, injured, or arrested since yesterday,” the UN Human Rights Office said on X, calling for an end to the violence.

Public gatherings and movement have been restricted in most major cities since election day, yet Tchiroma’s supporters continue to protest, insisting he actually won 54.8 percent of the vote to Biya’s 31.3 percent.

Many analysts had predicted Biya’s victory, given his tight control over Cameroon’s political system. In power since 1982, Biya is the world’s oldest and one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, maintaining authority through political repression and dominance of state institutions.

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