92-year-old Africa’s Longest President, Paul Biya Wins Eighth Term as Cameroon’s President

Cameroonian President Paul Biya, aged 92, has been declared the winner of the October 12, 2025, presidential election, securing 53.66% of the vote according to the Constitutional Council.

This victory extends Biya’s rule to a 43-year tenure, making his presidency among the longest in Africa’s history.

Issa Tchiroma Bakary, Biya’s former ally turned challenger, claimed victory days before the official results, citing his own count that put him at 54.8%.

Tchiroma’s camp alleged electoral manipulation, calling the official tally “falsified and distorted.”

Tensions flared across major cities as protesters defied bans, clashing with security forces in Douala, Garoua, and Yaoundé. At least four protesters were killed, and scores arrested in the unrest.

In Garoua, Tchiroma’s hometown, reports suggested gunfire was directed at opposition supporters outside his residence.

In a sign of diplomatic unease, Western ambassadors including those from the EU, UK, Canada, and Switzerland boycotted the announcement ceremony.

Critics point to Biya’s 2008 constitutional amendment that removed presidential term limits as enabling his continued rule. aside, citing age and calls for generational change.

With the official results now validated, Biya’s new seven-year term could keep him in office approaching the centennial mark.

Opposition figures warn of increased unrest, demanding transparency and calling for national dialogue to restore electoral credibility.

Observers caution that Cameroon now faces the test of whether institutions will act independently or remain subject to executive control.