World’s Oldest Ruler Paul Biya Wins Eighth Term in Cameroon, Protests Erupt Across the Country

Post by : Saif Nasser

Cameroon’s long-time president, Paul Biya, has been re-elected for an eighth term at the age of 92, making him the world’s oldest serving ruler. The official results announced on Monday gave Biya 53.66% of the votes, while his main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, received 35.19%. The announcement immediately sparked violent protests in several cities, with opposition supporters claiming the election was rigged.

In the commercial capital, Douala, angry crowds filled the streets, blocking roads with burning tires and debris. Many protesters carried sticks and shouted slogans against the government. Security forces fired tear gas to disperse the crowds, and police patrols were seen moving through the streets as businesses shut down. Some parts of the city that are usually full of motorbikes and traders turned quiet and empty.

Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary said that the election was unfair and that he would not accept the results. “We all know the majority of Cameroonians voted for change,” said one protester in Douala. “It is impossible that President Paul Biya won in places suffering from conflict and poverty.”

Reports from the opposition said at least four people were killed during weekend clashes in Douala, while two others were reportedly shot dead outside Tchiroma’s home in the northern city of Garoua. Reuters could not confirm who fired the shots. The violence has raised fears that the unrest could spread to other regions.

President Biya responded to the situation with a statement on social media, saying he was “deeply sorry for the loss of lives” after the election. He thanked citizens for their “continued trust” and said his victory was proof of the people’s faith in his leadership. However, opposition groups rejected his message, saying the vote was manipulated to keep him in power.

Political analysts say Biya’s new term will face strong challenges. Francois Conradie, a political economist at Oxford Economics, said, “We expect unrest to grow as more people reject the results. It will be difficult for the Biya government to maintain control if anger continues to spread.”

Murithi Mutiga, the Africa Program Director at the International Crisis Group, warned that Biya’s legitimacy is now in question. “He has a shaky mandate because many citizens believe the election was not fair. Cameroon needs national dialogue to avoid further violence,” he said.

Paul Biya has ruled Cameroon since 1982, holding power for more than 43 years. Over the decades, he has been accused of silencing critics, changing the constitution to remove term limits, and using the military to suppress opposition. His leadership has faced growing criticism for economic decline, corruption, and rising unemployment in the oil- and cocoa-producing country.

Despite these issues, Biya has managed to stay in power through tight political control and a divided opposition. His re-election means he could remain president until he is nearly 100 years old.

Cameroon is one of the many African nations where elderly leaders continue to govern youthful populations. In neighboring countries, similar patterns exist — Togo’s president is 86 years old, and Ivory Coast’s leader, expected to win his recent election, is 83. Many young Africans have expressed frustration over being ruled by leaders who are decades older and out of touch with their struggles.

Biya’s latest victory also comes amid rare criticism from within his own family. His daughter, Brenda Biya, posted a video on TikTok before deleting it, where she urged people not to vote for her father. The video went viral before it was taken down, highlighting divisions even inside the president’s household.

Issa Tchiroma Bakary, once a government minister and loyal ally of Biya, turned against him earlier this year. His move from being part of the ruling system to becoming the main opposition leader has shocked many in the country. Tchiroma has promised to fight for democratic reforms and better governance. His supporters believe he represents the desire for a new generation of leadership.

However, Biya’s control over state institutions and security forces remains strong. The government has denied all accusations of election fraud and said that the results reflect the will of the people. Officials also warned citizens to remain calm and avoid participating in “illegal demonstrations.”

For now, tension remains high in Douala, Yaoundé, and other major cities. Riot police have been deployed across the country, and several areas remain under heavy security watch. Many residents say they are afraid of more violence if the opposition continues to call for protests.

Cameroon’s political future looks uncertain as Biya begins yet another term in office. While his supporters celebrate what they call a “historic victory,” others see it as a continuation of decades of misrule. With growing frustration among the youth and deep divisions within the country, analysts say the coming months will test whether Biya can hold on to power peacefully — or whether his rule will finally begin to crumble after more than four decades.