Name: Tensions mount in Cameroon as Biya secures eighth term
Uploaded: 2025-10-29T16:24:28.901Z
Duration: 2 min 23 s
Description: With opposition figures refusing to concede and civil society calling for deep reforms, Cameroon faces a critical test: whether it can restore calm and chart a path toward more transparent and inclusive governance.

With opposition figures refusing to concede and civil society calling for deep reforms, Cameroon faces a critical test: whether it can restore calm and chart a path toward more transparent and inclusive governance.

Yaoundé

Cameroon is experiencing heightened tensions following the announcement that President Paul Biya, aged 92, has secured another term in office. The period surrounding the election was marked by violent clashes, resulting in casualties among civilians and security forces. Opposition figures and civil society organizations have raised concerns about alleged electoral fraud, citing irregularities such as the inclusion of deceased persons on voters' lists and unequal access to ballot papers. Despite these claims, the African Union Observer Mission reported that the vote was largely in line with regional and international standards. The political unrest comes amid widespread frustration among Cameroonian youth over limited economic opportunities and perceptions that the current system primarily benefits the elite.

Tensions mount in Cameroon as Biya secures eighth term

Tension continues to grip Cameroon following the announcement of the presidential election results that handed 92-year-old President Paul Biya a new term in office. The days leading up to the official proclamation were marked by violent clashes in several towns, living casualties among civilians and security forces. The Minister of Territory Administration, Paul Atanganji, said protesters wreaked havoc in a number of localities as anger mounted over alleged electoral fraud. He confirmed that some demonstrators lost their lives in confrontations with security forces while several officers were seriously injured, though without providing specific figures. Shortly after being declared winner, Biya expressed sympathy to the families of those who unnecessarily lost their lives in the unrest. This message, however, did little to quell anger among opposition supporters, who insist the election was neither free nor fair. Prominent opposition candidate Issa Chiroma Mbakure, who had earlier declared himself the rightful winner, once again rejected the results released by the Constitutional Council. He condemned what he described as truncated results designed to offer Biya a fictitious victory, urging his supporters to mobilize against what he sees as electoral theft. Civil society organizations have echoed similar concerns. A coalition of eight local groups reported irregularities ranging from the inclusion of deceased persons on voters' lists to unequal access to ballot papers and attempted ballot box stuffing. Yet, in contrast, the African Union Observer Mission offered a more positive assessment, saying the vote was largely conducted in line with regional and international standards. The political context comes at a time when many Cameroonians, especially youth, are demanding change. Despite its oil resources and modest economic growth, the country struggles with high levels of informal employment. While official unemployment sits at 3.5%, more than half of the young people aged 18 to 35 earn a living in the informal sector, fueling frustration over limited opportunities and a system many feel benefits only the elite.

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