Tensions erupted ahead of the announcement of the presidential election results in Douala, Cameroon’s economic hub, after the vote held on 12 October 2025 and culminating with the re-declaration of long-time leader Paul Biya as winner.

According to the country’s Constitutional Council, Paul Biya secured the election victory with 53.66 % of the vote, while his main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, registered 35.19 %. The announcement marked Biya’s eighth term in office.

Tchiroma, a former minister and former ally of Biya, had however insisted days earlier that he had won the election. He claimed that his party’s own data showed him with more than 50 % of the vote.

In the lead-up to the formal result, protests erupted in Douala. Opposition supporters barricaded streets, burned tyres and clashed with security forces, who responded with tear gas and other means. In Sunday’s unrest at least four people were killed in Douala, according to reports.

In his hometown of Garoua, Tchiroma wrote on social media that two civilians had been killed after shots were fired outside his residence, an allegation the government has yet to verify.

The mood across Cameroon remained charged. With Biya in power since 1982 and his Eighth election victory now confirmed, many young Cameroonians and opposition supporters expressed frustration at what they say is entrenched rule, diminished democratic space and limited opportunity.

Meanwhile the government and ruling party dismissed opposition claims of vote-rigging or manipulation.

In a short statement after being declared winner, Biya said his “first thoughts are with all those who have unnecessarily lost their lives, as well with their families, as a result of the post-election violence.”

Issa Tchiroma continues to reject the official result, calling it a “masquerade” and vowing not to accept it.