Cameroon’s 92-year-old President wins 8th term amid protests : NPR

YAOUNDE, Cameroon — In a much-discussed election that sparked protests across the country, Cameroon's president… oldest head of state in the world — announced his unprecedented eighth term in office.

Paul Biya, 92, has ruled the Central African country since 1982. On Monday, the Constitutional Council declared him the winner with 53.7% of the vote, compared with 35.2% for opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary.

If he serves his new seven-year term, Biya will remain in power until he is almost 100 years old.

In a country of 30 million people, located on the youngest continent in the world, the average age of citizens is only 19 years. Most Cameroonians have known only one president, who rarely appears in public and spends long periods of time abroad, especially in Switzerland.

Cameroon faces multiple crises: jihadist violence in the north, a separatist insurgency in the west and entrenched corruption.

As supporters gathered to celebrate at the Constitutional Council in the capital Yaounde, Biya remained as elusive as ever. He has spoken publicly only once during the campaign and by Monday evening had failed to address the nation, instead issuing a brief written statement.

Meanwhile, much of the country remained tense. Protests broke out in several cities, including the commercial capital Douala and Garoua, Chiroma's hometown. Security forces have used force to disperse crowds, leaving at least four people dead in recent days. Dozens of oppositionists and activists were arrested.

In Yaounde, the streets were quiet, shops were closed and armored vehicles patrolled major intersections. When they were approached, the residents were afraid to speak. In a country tightly controlled by the government, trust is low and fear is common.

The opposition disputes the results of the disputes

Independent vote tallies at several major polling stations showed Biya's challenger, 79-year-old Issa Chiroma Bakari, in the lead. Ciroma, a longtime government minister and spokesman for Biya's party, left the administration earlier this year and quickly gained popularity among young voters hungry for change – even among figures long associated with the ruling elite.

He declared himself the winner two weeks ago, but official results showed Biya winning even in regions where his support was thought to be weakest.

A Catholic bishop who backed Chiromu during the election campaign called him “the best devil,” reflecting the frustration of voters who see few viable alternatives. Another prominent opposition figure, Maurice Kamto, was disqualified from the election in a decision he called political interference after a rival faction of his party introduced a rival candidate.

Incumbent Cameroonian President Paul Biya speaks at a campaign rally in Maroua on October 7, 2025.

ROBERT FIMBAY/AFP

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On Monday, Chiroma accused the government of plotting to arrest him and posted images on social media of snipers outside his home – claims that could not be independently verified. He called on supporters, including among the military, to “defend the true result.” Given the recent upheavals in West and Central Africa, the risk of instability here is enormous.

Opposition leader Njang Dennis Thabe said his party's data pointed to Biya's defeat.

“The regime, as usual, even in case of defeat in the elections, controls all institutions – from the electoral body to the constitutional council. The will of the Cameroonians must be imposed,” he said.

Biya's prolonged absence and his government's tightening controls have fueled anger and uncertainty. The crisis in Cameroon reflects a broader picture across Africa: a young population ruled by aging leaders clinging to power through manipulated elections and weakened institutions.