Heavy Protest in Cameroon as They Reject President Paul Biya

By DocuNews Central Staff

Published October 29, 2025 | Copyright reserved, DocuNews Central

Introduction

Cameroon woke up to a tense atmosphere this morning as heavy protests broke out across several major cities. Citizens poured into the streets to express their frustration after the Constitutional Council announced that President Paul Biya, aged 92, had won another term in office. The announcement triggered an immediate wave of anger, with protesters calling the election results fraudulent and demanding political change.

According to credible reports from Reuters and AP News, the protests turned violent overnight in the economic hub of Douala, as well as the capital city, Yaoundé. Demonstrators clashed with police, and several people were reportedly injured. This unrest reflects growing frustration with Biya’s decades-long rule, which many Cameroonians believe has lasted far too long.

Background: Paul Biya’s Long Reign

Paul Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, is one of the world’s longest-serving leaders. He has survived numerous political challenges, economic crises, and regional conflicts. His latest victory, which gives him an eighth term in office, comes amid accusations of election rigging and suppression of opposition voices. For many citizens, this latest declaration was the final straw.

International observers, including journalists from The Guardian and Al Jazeera, noted several irregularities in the election process. Reports pointed to ballot tampering, intimidation of voters, and the exclusion of opposition agents from polling stations. Despite these concerns, the electoral commission moved forward with declaring Biya the winner with over 53% of the votes.

Protests Erupt Across Cameroon

As news of Biya’s victory spread, thousands of people took to the streets. In Douala, crowds gathered at Bonaberi Bridge, chanting anti-government slogans and waving placards that read “No more Biya” and “We need change now.” Similar scenes unfolded in Yaoundé, Buea, Bamenda, and Garoua. Witnesses described a strong police presence, with armored vehicles blocking major roads.

Security forces were deployed to disperse protesters, using tear gas and water cannons. Videos circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes as demonstrators fled from security personnel. At least four deaths have been confirmed, while dozens more were injured, according to BBC News.

Opposition Rejects the Election Result

Issa Tchiroma Bakary, Biya’s main challenger, has publicly rejected the election results. In a statement released Tuesday morning, he claimed that the ruling party manipulated the vote count. He accused the government of inflating numbers in pro-Biya regions while suppressing votes from opposition strongholds. “This is not democracy,” he declared. “This is daylight robbery.”

Opposition parties have vowed to challenge the results in court, though few believe the judiciary will rule against the incumbent. Many Cameroonians argue that Biya’s hold on power is too strong, and that democratic institutions in the country are too weak to ensure fair outcomes. Yet, despite this, the resistance movement appears to be growing louder than ever before.

The Role of the Military and Police

The government has placed security forces on high alert. Soldiers and police officers are patrolling sensitive areas, especially around government buildings and embassies. The Interior Ministry has warned that any attempt to “destabilize public order” will be met with force. However, human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have urged authorities to respect citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.

According to local media outlets, arrests have been made in several cities, with hundreds of protesters taken into custody. There are fears that the government could impose a nationwide curfew if demonstrations continue to grow. Meanwhile, the opposition is calling for peaceful protests to continue until what they describe as “true democracy” is restored.

International Reactions

The international community is watching closely. The United Nations and the African Union have both expressed concern over the situation, urging restraint on all sides. Western countries, including the United States and France, have called for calm and dialogue. The European Union released a statement urging Cameroon to ensure transparency and protect human rights during this critical moment.

Analysts say Biya’s government may face increasing international pressure if the unrest escalates. Cameroon is a key partner in regional counterterrorism efforts, particularly in the fight against Boko Haram in the north. Instability could weaken these efforts, creating broader security challenges for Central and West Africa.

Economic and Social Impact

Beyond the politics, the protests have had an immediate impact on daily life. Businesses in Douala and Yaoundé have shut down temporarily, fearing looting or destruction. Transport services have been disrupted, and internet connectivity has slowed in several regions, a move many suspect is deliberate to prevent information sharing.

Ordinary citizens are struggling to cope with the uncertainty. Many have expressed exhaustion after years of economic stagnation, rising prices, and high unemployment. The younger population, especially those in their 20s and 30s, are demanding better governance and more opportunities. They argue that at 92, Biya no longer represents the aspirations of modern Cameroon.

Regional and Linguistic Divides

Another critical factor fueling the anger is the long-standing conflict between Cameroon’s English-speaking regions and the French-speaking majority. Since 2017, the Anglophone crisis has resulted in violence, displacement, and a deep sense of marginalization among English-speaking citizens. Many of them view Biya’s continued rule as a symbol of systemic oppression and neglect.

Protests in Buea and Bamenda — strongholds of the Anglophone movement — have been particularly intense. Activists there are not only protesting the election but also calling for greater autonomy. Some have revived demands for the creation of “Ambazonia,” an independent English-speaking state. This shows how Biya’s victory could reignite tensions that the government has struggled to contain for years.

Media Suppression and Internet Blackouts

Local journalists have reported censorship and harassment. Several independent media outlets were warned not to “spread false information” about the protests. Social media users have also reported that their posts criticizing the government were flagged or deleted. Internet restrictions have been confirmed by France24, which said that connectivity in parts of the country dropped by nearly 40% overnight.

These actions, observers say, highlight the government’s fear of losing control over the narrative. In past elections, similar blackouts were used to prevent protest coordination and limit international scrutiny.

Voices from the Street

“We are tired of being silent,” said a 27-year-old protester in Douala. “We want a new Cameroon where our votes count.” Another demonstrator in Yaoundé added, “We are not afraid anymore. If Biya doesn’t step down, we will keep marching.”

These voices echo a broader sentiment across the country — that the people’s patience has run out. Despite the risks, thousands continue to march daily. They believe this could be a turning point in Cameroon’s history, one that may finally force change after more than four decades of Biya’s leadership.

What Happens Next?

The coming days will be crucial. If the protests spread and international pressure mounts, Biya’s government could be forced to negotiate or make concessions. However, if the government doubles down on repression, Cameroon could face prolonged instability. Political analysts warn that a violent crackdown could further divide the nation and push it closer to crisis.

For now, opposition leaders have called for peaceful demonstrations, urging citizens not to resort to violence. Meanwhile, government officials insist that the election was “free and fair” and that the president remains legitimate.

Conclusion

Cameroon stands at a crossroads. The ongoing protests reveal a population hungry for change and transparency. Whether this moment leads to reform or further repression remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the people’s demand for justice and democracy is stronger than ever before.

DocuNews Central will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates as events unfold. For now, the world watches Cameroon — a nation whose political future hangs in the balance.

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