Cameroon’s 92-Year-Old President Wins Eighth Term Amid Deadly Unrest

Cameroon's 92-year-old President Paul Biya has been re-elected for an eighth term with 53.7% of the vote, extending his rule potentially until he is 99 years old. His main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who broke from Biya and garnered 35.2% of votes, had claimed victory prior to the official announcement and alleged electoral manipulation. The election was marred by violence and unrest, with at least four protesters killed in clashes with security forces in cities including Douala and reports of deadly shootings near Garoua. The opposition accused Biya of using state mechanisms to influence the election and disqualify strong rivals, fueling widespread demonstrations and arrests of activists and opposition supporters. Many shops and schools closed in the capital Yaounde due to fears of instability. Despite the controversy and civil unrest, the Constitutional Council officially declared Biya the winner, confirming his continued grip on power since he first took office in 1982.