Four Killed as Protests Erupt Over Paul Biya’s Disputed Re-Election in Cameroon

Massive protests have broken out across Cameroon after 92-year-old President Paul Biya, who has ruled the country for over 42 years, allegedly rigged the recent presidential election and declared himself president for an unprecedented eighth term.

Tensions escalated on Sunday following the official announcement of Biya’s re-election, with reports indicating that four people were shot dead during violent clashes between protesters and security forces. Demonstrations erupted in key cities including Douala, Garoua, and Maroua, as citizens took to the streets demanding transparency and credible election results.

According to the Constitutional Council, President Biya secured 53.66% of the vote in the October 12 presidential election, while his main challenger and former ally, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, garnered 35.19%. However, the results have been met with widespread skepticism and outrage from opposition supporters, who accuse the government of electoral manipulation and vote-rigging.

Mr. Bakary had earlier declared himself the true winner, claiming his party’s internal data showed he had secured the majority of votes nationwide. His supporters have since vowed to continue peaceful demonstrations until what they describe as “the will of the people” is respected.

President Biya, who has been in power since 1982, is now one of the world’s longest-serving leaders. His re-election for another seven-year term has deepened concerns about democracy, governance, and political freedom in Cameroon.

International observers and human rights organizations have called for restraint on both sides and urged the Cameroonian government to ensure citizens’ rights to protest are respected while investigating reports of violence during the demonstrations.