Mon Oct 27 13:50:00 UTC 2025: News Article:
Biya, 92, Secures Eighth Term in Contested Cameroon Election
YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon – Paul Biya, the world’s oldest serving head of state at 92, has been declared the winner of Cameroon’s presidential election, extending his reign into an eighth term. The Constitutional Council announced Biya secured 53.66% of the vote, defeating his main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who received 35.19%.
The announcement follows a tense two weeks since the October 12th election, marked by opposition claims of victory and escalating unrest. Tchiroma, a former Biya ally, had declared himself the winner based on collated results from 80% of the electorate, alleging he secured 54.8% of the vote. He had warned of protests if the official results were “falsified.”
The situation has been volatile, particularly in Tchiroma’s hometown of Garoua, and protests have erupted in Yaoundé, Douala, and Bafoussam. Clashes between security forces and opposition supporters in Douala on Sunday resulted in four deaths. Tchiroma has accused security forces of attempting to arrest him.
Biya has been in power since 1982, consolidating his grip by removing presidential term limits in 2008. His long rule has been characterized by repression of political opposition and armed conflict, amid social and economic challenges. Biya is only the second president of Cameroon since its independence from France in 1960.
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