Paul Biya
By Olamilekan Abayomi
Cameroon’s long-standing President, Paul Biya, has been declared the winner of the country’s presidential election, securing 53.66% of the total vote. The official announcement was made by the country’s Constitutional Council, solidifying Biya’s position for another term in office. This victory continues Biya’s lengthy leadership, with the election results reinforcing his hold on the presidency.
The opposition, led by Issa Tchiroma Bakary, has rejected the election results, citing irregularities and alleging electoral manipulation. Bakary, a former government spokesperson and employment minister, claimed victory before the official results were announced and called on Biya to concede defeat. Protests erupted in several cities, including Douala and Garoua, resulting in clashes between security forces and opposition supporters. At least four people were killed, and over 100 were arrested during the unrest.
Despite the opposition’s claims of fraud, the Constitutional Council upheld the election results, maintaining that the election was conducted in line with the country’s electoral laws. Biya’s victory marks his eighth consecutive term in office, extending his rule until 2032, when he will be nearly 100 years old. The 92-year-old president has been in power since 1982, making him one of the world’s longest-serving leaders.
Biya’s extended rule has been characterized by periods of economic growth and stability, but also allegations of human rights abuses and suppression of political opposition. As he begins another term, global attention will focus on Cameroon’s political direction and the implications of Biya’s continued leadership for the country’s democracy and regional stability .
The opposition’s rejection of the election results and the subsequent protests highlight the deep-seated tensions in Cameroon’s political landscape. The government has dismissed allegations of vote rigging and urged citizens to remain calm until the final results were released. However, the opposition remains resolute in its stance, with Bakary stating that the official result would be “tainted” and “not reflective of the people’s will.
As Biya begins his new term, Cameroon faces significant challenges, including separatist violence in the English-speaking regions and the Boko Haram insurgency in the north. The international community will be watching closely to see how the government addresses these issues and whether Biya’s leadership will lead to increased stability and prosperity for the country.
