Eighth Term Triumph: Biya's Continued Reign in Cameroon

Cameroon's electoral landscape was shaken as President Paul Biya was declared victorious for an eighth term, securing 53.66% of the vote. The official announcement has ignited tensions with the opposition, which claims electoral discrepancies and asserts that their candidate, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, is the rightful winner.

Following the results disclosed by the Constitutional Council on Monday, Bakary, a former government official, reported gunfire targeting civilians in Garoua. However, Reuters has not independently verified his claims, and the government has yet to comment. Over the past week, opposition protests against security forces have flared, following local media reports suggesting Biya's impending victory.

President Biya, aged 92, has maintained a firm grasp on power since first taking office in 1982. After abolishing term limits in 2008, he consistently won re-elections, thereby solidifying his status as the world's longest-serving ruler. With a possible seven-year term ahead, Biya could govern until nearly 100 years old.