Protests turn violent in Cameroon after 92 year old president declared winner

Post-election violence has escalated and spread across several Cameroonian cities following the Constitutional Council’s declaration that incumbent President Paul Biya won the recent presidential election.
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Just one day after the official announcement, reports of arson, looting, and clashes emerged from the commercial hub Douala, as well as Mbouda, Bertoua, and Batouri. Security forces have responded to the unrest, which began as protests over the disputed results, utilizing live ammunition, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse demonstrators.
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The October 2025 presidential election in Cameroon was contested, with opposition figures like Issa Tchiroma Bakary previously declaring victory before the official results. The ruling by the Constitutional Council ensures that 92-year-old President Biya, who has governed the Central African nation since 1982, will extend his long rule for another term.
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‎Critics have for long raised alarm for lack of transparency and an uneven playing field in Cameroon’s electoral process.
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‎Amnesty International Africa publicly urged Cameroonian authorities to respect the right to peaceful protest and called for an independent and impartial investigation into the reported deaths during the protests.
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‎Meanwhile, the government side has accused opposition figures, including Tchiroma, of inciting insurrection. The country also faces ongoing security issues, including separatist conflict in the English-speaking regions and Boko Haram activity in the north.