Summary: At least 48 civilians have been killed in Cameroon following a violent crackdown on protests against the re-election of President Paul Biya, according to United Nations sources. The 92-year-old leader has been declared winner of the October 12, 2025 presidential election, securing an unprecedented eighth term in office, while opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary rejects the results and claims victory.
Election Results and Dispute
The Constitutional Council confirmed President Paul Biya as the winner with 53.66% of the vote, extending his rule until at least 2032. Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who officially received 35.19%, has alleged widespread fraud and insists he won with a majority. He has called on supporters to continue resisting what he described as “falsified and distorted results.”
Biya, who has ruled since 1982, is now the world’s oldest sitting head of state. His victory cements more than four decades in power, though it has deepened political divisions and raised questions about succession in a country where most citizens have known no other leader.
Protests and Crackdown
Protests erupted in major cities including Douala, Garoua, and Yaoundé after the results were announced. According to UN sources cited by Reuters, security forces used live ammunition, batons, and tear gas, killing at least 48 civilians. Many others were injured or detained.
The government has not released an official death toll and has declined to comment on the UN figures. Opposition strongholds have seen lockdowns and deserted streets after calls for civil disobedience.
International Reaction
The violence has drawn international condemnation. Human rights groups have accused the government of excessive force, while U.S. lawmakers described the election as a “sham” and raised concerns over arbitrary detentions. Analysts warn that the suppression of dissent risks further destabilizing Cameroon, already grappling with separatist unrest in its Anglophone regions.
What Comes Next
- Biya’s eighth term: If he completes this mandate, Biya would remain in power until age 99.
- Opposition strategy: Issa Tchiroma has vowed to continue challenging the results, though his capacity to mobilize supporters is constrained by the heavy security crackdown.
- Succession debate: Policy experts note that the absence of a clear succession plan heightens uncertainty, with fears of instability should Biya’s health decline.
- International scrutiny: The UN and African Union are monitoring the situation, but no mediation initiative has yet been announced, it is hoped by all and sundry that they will take definite steps to ascertain the claims of rigging in the election and take necessary steps based on their findings.
In short: Cameroon’s election has left the country in turmoil. Paul Biya has been declared president for an eighth term, but the opposition rejects the outcome, protests have turned deadly, and the international community is pressing for restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation.
Yaounde-Cameroon-Skyline-Picture-by-Kateregga1
Sources: Reuters; The Star; ABC News; Gulf Times; Al Jazeera; Africanews; Chatham House; Robert Lansing Institute TheCable The Star ABC News Aljazeera Africanews Chatham House Robert Lansing Institute.
