Cameroon Election Unrest: Paul Biya’s Controversial Term Sparks Deadly Protests

President Paul Biya – at 92, the world’s oldest head of state – was declared the winner of Cameroon’s October 12, 2025 presidential election, securing an eighth term in office. The Constitutional Council announced Biya’s victory with 53.66% of the vote against 35.19% for his main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary. Biya’s re-election, which extends his 43-year rule since 1982, immediately prompted an outcry. Opposition leaders and supporters allege the outcome “did not reflect the will of the people,” insisting the vote was rigged.

Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former ally-turned-opponent, declared himself the winner even before official results were released, claiming he had secured around 55% of the vote (versus roughly 31% for Biya) based on his campaign’s tallies. He warned he would “not accept any other outcome,” accusing authorities of manipulating the count. Cameroon’s Constitutional Council had in fact dismissed multiple opposition petitions alleging fraud and ballot stuffing, heightening public distrust in the process.

Opposition figures pointed to implausible results in conflict-torn regions. In the Anglophone Northwest and Southwest, where a separatist insurgency has depressed turnout, official figures still showed about 53% turnout with Biya winning up to 86% of the vote. Such numbers defy reality, critics say, given many in those areas boycotted the poll. Prominent opposition figure Akere Muna condemned the election as “fraudulent,” calling the Constitutional Council “nothing more than the rubber stamp of a tyranny.” These allegations set the stage for a volatile post-election atmosphere.

Deadly Protests and Crackdown

The aftermath of the disputed election quickly spiraled into unrest on the streets. In the days following the vote, protests erupted in several cities, including Douala, Yaoundé, and northern towns like Garoua, as hundreds of opposition supporters rallied against the declared results. Backers of Tchiroma, many of them young and armed with sticks and stones, barricaded roads with debris and burning tires, chanting that the election was stolen. Riot police responded with tear gas, water cannons, and, in some cases, live ammunition to disperse crowds.

The crackdown turned deadly. At least four protesters were shot and killed over the weekend clashes in Douala. Then on October 27, Tchiroma reported that security forces opened fire on civilians outside his residence in Garoua, killing two more people. In total, opposition figures say at least six people have lost their lives in the post-election violence so far. Dozens more have been injured or arrested amid the turmoil.

Authorities reported that over 100 protesters were arrested during the unrest. Videos shared online showed security forces using excessive force to break up demonstrations, while internet disruptions in parts of the country on October 23–24 were reported by digital rights monitors as likely government-imposed.

Supporters of Cameroon presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma protest in New Bell neighbourhood, Douala, Cameroon [Zohra Bensemra/Reuters]

President Biya appealed for calm even as the unrest raged. In a statement on social media, he said his “first thoughts are with all those who have unnecessarily lost their lives as a result of the post-election violence.” Still, he rejected fraud accusations and insisted the vote was fair. Yet, for many Cameroonians, this was further proof that change cannot come through the ballot box alone.

Public Outrage and Underlying Grievances

The wave of protests also speaks to deeper public frustration. Over 70% of Cameroon’s population of nearly 30 million is under the age of 35, meaning most citizens have known no president other than Paul Biya. After 43 years in power, many feel left behind. Economic growth has stagnated despite abundant resources, and critics blame chronic corruption and mismanagement.

Biya’s absentee leadership, spending extended periods abroad for medical care, has fueled anger. His daughter, Brenda Biya, even made headlines for a social media post reportedly urging citizens not to vote for her father. Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary capitalized on that frustration, leading a coalition dubbed the “Union for Change.” His campaign drew massive crowds and promised transparency and generational renewal.

Another factor fueling anger is the Anglophone crisis. Since 2017, English-speaking regions have been locked in conflict with the Francophone-dominated government, seeking autonomy or independence. Despite boycotts, official results showed Biya winning large majorities in those war-torn areas, numbers that observers say strain credibility. As one protester in Douala put it, “It is inadmissible that President Paul Biya won in certain war zones.”

International Response and Calls for Peace

The crisis has drawn international attention. The European Union expressed “deep concern” over the violence and urged Cameroonian authorities to respect human rights and open dialogue. UN Secretary-General António Guterres voiced alarm at reports of excessive force and appealed for calm, encouraging all sides to resolve disputes through constitutional means.

Independent monitors share that sentiment. Murithi Mutiga, Africa Program Director at the International Crisis Group, warned that Biya now has a “shaky mandate” and urged him to initiate a national mediation to prevent escalation. The Catholic Bishops of Cameroon have also called for peace, saying the country must “experience stability in truth” and avoid further bloodshed.

Within civil society, organizations like the Cameroon Bar Association and Transparency International Cameroon have condemned the crackdown and demanded that all detainees be released. These groups stress that peaceful reform, not repression, is the only way forward.

A Nation at a Crossroads

Cameroon stands at a critical crossroads. The government’s choice between reconciliation and repression will define its future. Experts warn that if grievances remain unaddressed, the unrest could become prolonged, potentially destabilizing a region already grappling with separatist conflict and Boko Haram activity.

Still, opportunities exist. A credible national dialogue, possibly mediated by the African Union or regional partners, could create a path toward reform. Analysts note that Biya could still salvage his legacy by opening political space for new leadership, while the opposition must maintain nonviolent discipline to preserve legitimacy.

Ultimately, peace and democratic legitimacy are inseparable. Cameroonians are demanding accountability, transparency, and hope after decades of stagnation. Whether through domestic reform or international mediation, the world is watching to see whether reason will prevail over repression.

How You Can Support Peace in Cameroon

Moments like this call for global solidarity. You can make a difference by amplifying credible information, supporting civic groups, and standing behind those risking their lives for democracy.

Join initiatives that promote peaceful resolution and dialogue — like Pledge4Peace, which empowers citizens worldwide to take action for peace.

Vote on global campaigns today: pledge4peace.org/campaigns

Your participation adds weight to movements that champion accountability, democracy, and nonviolence.

Every action matters — from sharing verified news to supporting peace organizations. Together, we can help Cameroon move from confrontation to conversation and ensure its future is decided not by force, but by the will of its people.

Hero Image: Cameroonian President Paul Biya, 92, reacts after he cast his ballot during the presidential election in Yaounde, Cameroon on October 12, 2025. (Zohra Bensemra/Reuters)