Biya, 92, Extends 43-Year Rule With Eighth Term Victory in Cameroon

By Oluwakemi Kindness

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has been declared winner of the October 12 presidential election, securing a record eighth term in office.

The 92-year-old leader earned 53.7 per cent of the vote, according to final results released on Monday by the Constitutional Council.

Former government minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary came second with 35.2 per cent. Bakary had previously declared himself the winner, two days after the polls closed.

Tensions flared ahead of the official announcement, with authorities confirming that four people were killed during clashes between security forces and supporters of Bakary, who has vowed to challenge Biya’s 43-year hold on power. Despite a government ban on public gatherings, he had urged his supporters to march peacefully on Sunday.

President Biya, one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, first came to power in 1982.