Story perspectives

Cameroon’s Biya Wins 8th Term Amid Deadly Protests

10/27/2025

Summary

Story summary

Cameroon's President Paul Biya, age 92, won the October 12 presidential election with 53.66% of the vote, securing an eighth term.
Issa Tchiroma Bakary, Biya's former ally, received 35.19%.
Bakary had earlier claimed victory before official results.
Protests erupted in Douala after the announcement, with at least four people killed in clashes with security forces.
The situation remains tense, with calls for further protests and concerns over political freedoms.

History

Historical Context

In 1992, Cameroon held its first multiparty presidential elections, ending decades of single-party rule under President Paul Biya, who won with 40% of the vote amid a 72% turnout. The opposition, particularly the Social Democratic Front led by John Fru Ndi, gained traction but failed to unite against Biya. Current protests reflect ongoing struggles for democratic governance and political freedoms in Cameroon.

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Story summary

Cameroon's President Paul Biya, age 92, won the October 12 presidential election with 53.66% of the vote, securing an eighth term.
Issa Tchiroma Bakary, Biya's former ally, received 35.19%.
Bakary had earlier claimed victory before official results.
Protests erupted in Douala after the announcement, with at least four people killed in clashes with security forces.
The situation remains tense, with calls for further protests and concerns over political freedoms.

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