“We All Know the People Voted for Tchiroma” – Biya Wins Eighth Term Amid Protests

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, the world’s longest-serving leader, has won an eighth term. Official results were announced on Monday. The announcement triggered violent protests in Douala and other cities. Opposition supporters claimed the vote was rigged. They blocked roads with burning tires, stones, and debris.

Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowds. Many protesters wore masks or tried to hide their faces. Normally busy streets in the commercial capital were empty. Biya, 92, whose new term could keep him in power until almost 100, expressed sorrow on X for the violence. “My first thoughts are with all those who have unnecessarily lost their lives, as well with their families,” he wrote. The government rejected claims of election irregularities.

Official results showed Biya winning 53.66% of the vote. Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary got 35.19%. Tchiroma, a former government spokesperson and employment minister, claimed victory last week. He vowed not to accept any other outcome. The opposition said four people died over the weekend in Douala clashes.

On Monday, Tchiroma said two civilians were shot outside his home in Garoua. Reuters could not independently confirm this. Protesters in Douala insisted most Cameroonians had voted for Tchiroma. They called Biya’s win in some areas “inadmissible.” Riot police patrolled the streets and businesses stayed closed.

Analysts warned of more unrest. Francois Conradie of Oxford Economics said, “We expect unrest to escalate as Cameroonians widely reject the official result.” Murithi Mutiga from the International Crisis Group urged Biya to start national dialogue to prevent further violence.

Biya has ruled Cameroon since 1982. He removed term limits in 2008. His daughter Brenda even posted a now-deleted TikTok urging voters not to reelect him. Tchiroma’s rise from ally to opposition leader marks a major political shift. He drew large crowds and support from civic groups. Despite Biya’s continued dominance, public frustration signals a country ready for change.