Biya, 92, the world's oldest serving head of state, has ruled the Central African country for 43 years. This is his eighth term in office. He is only the second head of state to lead Cameroon since its independence from France in 1960. Critics accuse him of ruling with an iron fist, repressing all political and armed opposition, and holding onto power through social upheaval, economic disparity and separatist violence.

In Cameroon, the final results of the election cannot be announced before the Constitutional Council has officially declared them.

"An election law that is not consensual is, at the end of the day, a way for the government to create chaos," civil society activist Ernesto Yene told DW.

Two days after the election on October 12, 2025, the Union pour le Changement 2025, an alliance of opposition forces, declared its candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary of the Cameroon National Salvation Front (FSNC) the winner of the election, with "more than 60% of the vote."

Later, they said they won 54.8% of the votes against 31.3% for Biya.

"Our victory is clear. It must be respected," the former labor minister announced on his social media channel. The government must recognize the "truth of the ballot box," Tchiroma Bakary said, otherwise it would "plunge the country into turmoil."

Electoral bodies declare Biya as the winner

On October 21, Cameroon's electoral body (ELECAM) contradicted Tchiroma's 'victory' after announcing the preliminary results of the presidential election in Yaounde: According to those results, incumbent Paul Biya was well ahead of his challengers with 53.66% of the vote. Tchiroma had only received 35.19% of the vote nationwide. These figures have now been confirmed by the Constitutional Council.

"We are neither surprised nor shocked by the turn of events we are currently witnessing," said Ernesto Yene. "Most Cameroonians will not take to the streets, but we know what they have expressed in this election. It is simply up to those in power to listen to these messages. Peace is not a decree, it must be prepared for."

Issa Tchiroma Bakary had called on his supporters to stage peacefulprotests across the country. And many had heeded his call, even though the authorities had imposed a ban on demonstrations. Some waved banners or posters bearing the slogan "The people are sovereign."

Tchiroma Bakary said at least two protesters had been killed during demonstrations outside his house in Garoua, northern Cameroon.

Fears grow over political unrest

In Cameroon's largest city, the economic metropolis of Douala, riots broke out on Sunday, October 26, 2025. According to official reports, at least four people were killed in clashes with police, who used tear gas against the protesters. Several security forces were reportedly injured. Opposition supporters attacked a police station. Thick black smoke rose above the city center and sirens blared.

"The calls for demonstrations launched by certain politicians with boundless ambition undoubtedly create the conditions for a security crisis and contribute to the implementation of an insurrection plan," said Atanga Nji, Cameroon's Minister of Territorial Administration, at a press conference.

In Garoua in the north, a stronghold of Tchiroma, police also used tear gas against demonstrators. In the capital Yaounde, however, the call for peaceful demonstrations was not heeded, according to our DW correspondent. The police presence had also been reinforced there.

According to the Union pour le changement 2025, two opposition politicians, Djeukam Tchameni, party leader of the Movement for Democracy and Interdependence (MDI), and Anicet Ekane, party leader of the African Movement for the New Independence of Cameroon (Manidem), are in detention.

Edited by: C.Mwakideu