Cameroon’s 2025 presidential election has once again drawn global attention as President Paul Biya, aged 92, secured a disputed victory, extending his remarkable rule that began in 1982. The long-serving leader of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) won 53.66% of the votes in the October 12 election, while his closest rival, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, gained 35.19%. Bakary, however, rejected the official results, claiming victory with 54.8% based on his party’s tally and accusing the government of widespread fraud, intimidation, and media control.The election period was tense, with reports of internet shutdowns, low voter turnout in anglophone regions, and clashes between security forces and protesters in cities like Douala and Garoua. Despite these controversies, Biya’s supporters celebrated his win as a sign of continuity and stability.International observers expressed concern over transparency and human rights violations, warning that unresolved political grievances could deepen divisions within the nation. As Biya embarks on his eighth term, he faces growing pressure to address Cameroon’s economic stagnation, youth unemployment, and the ongoing separatist crisis in the English-speaking regions. The election outcome underscores both Biya’s enduring dominance and the deep challenges confronting Cameroon’s fragile democracy.
