Paul Biya, 92 Wins 8th Term as Cameroon’s President Amid Deadly Post-Election Clashes

Cameroon’s 92-year-old President, Paul Biya, has been officially declared the winner of the country’s 2025 presidential election, extending his more than four-decade rule by another seven years.

The Constitutional Council announced on Monday that Biya secured 53.66 percent of the votes, defeating opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma, who polled 35.19 percent. The election was held on October 12, but results were only confirmed after days of tension and allegations of fraud.

Tchiroma, a long-time challenger of Biya’s 43-year dominance, rejected the outcome, claiming he actually won the poll with 54.8 percent of the votes. He urged his supporters to stage peaceful protests despite a government ban on public demonstrations.

Tensions boiled over on Sunday in the commercial city of Douala, where violent clashes erupted between security forces and opposition supporters. According to the Littoral Regional Governor, Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua, four people were killed and several security personnel were injured during the unrest.

“Four people unfortunately lost their lives,” Diboua confirmed, alleging that protesters attacked a gendarmerie brigade and two police stations.

With this victory, Biya — who has ruled Cameroon since 1982 — will now embark on his eighth consecutive term, solidifying his position as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.

Observers say Biya’s latest win underscores the persistence of authoritarian power structures in Central Africa, where entrenched incumbents continue to dominate amid growing calls for democratic reforms.