Biya Declared Winner; Clashes Kill Protesters

Cameroon's 92-year-old President Paul Biya was declared the winner of the Oct. 12 presidential election by the Constitutional Council, receiving about 53.66–53.7% of the vote and securing an eighth seven-year term. Main challenger Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former ally who had publicly claimed victory based on his party’s tallies, rejected the official result and reported gunfire aimed at civilians outside his home in Garoua. Clashes between opposition supporters and security forces in cities including Douala, Garoua, Yaoundé and Maroua left at least four protesters dead and dozens detained. Biya, who has ruled since 1982, ran a low-profile campaign dominated by social media posts and pre-recorded messages and has been criticized for repressing dissent and consolidating power, including abolishing term limits. The disputed outcome and reported violence have heightened tensions and raised the prospect of further unrest as opposition parties and civic groups contest the credibility of the vote.