Cameroon’s President Biya Wins Election Amid Unrest

Cameroon’s Constitutional Council has officially declared President Paul Biya the winner of the country’s recent elections, amidst widespread unrest. The announcement came on Monday, following tumultuous protests that unfortunately led to the deaths of at least four individuals.

Election Results and Context

The election took place on October 12, 2023, where Biya, who is 92 years old, received 53.66% of the vote. His opponent, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, garnered 35.19%. Biya has been at the helm of Cameroon since 1982, making him the world’s oldest serving president.

Protests Erupt in Major Cities

• Four protesters were killed in Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital.
• Over 100 protesters were arrested during the unrest.
• Additional protests occurred in cities such as Garoua and Maroua, leading to clashes with security forces.

Protesters took to the streets to voice their demand for credible election results. Reports indicate that law enforcement used tear gas in efforts to control the crowds blocking key roads.

Political Tensions and Allegations

Tchiroma claimed victory before the official results were announced, alleging that his party had collected higher vote counts. Biya has dismissed these claims, and tensions have only intensified as opposition groups accused him of manipulating the electoral process.

Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua, the governor of the Littoral Region, noted that several security personnel were also injured during the confrontations in Douala. Meanwhile, Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, revealed that security forces had made arrests of individuals suspected of planning violent actions against the state.

Public Sentiment

With nearly 30 million citizens in Cameroon, there is a palpable sense of discontent, particularly among the youth. Many feel angered by Biya’s decision to seek reelection and allege a systematic effort to undermine the opposition. A protester from Maroua, Oumarou Bouba, emphasized his commitment to change, stating, “I am ready to stake my life to defend my vote. I voted for Tchiroma because I want change.”