Cameroon ’s top court on Monday declared incumbent Paul Biya, the world’s oldest president. (File Photo) Cameroon’s top court has confirmed President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest head of state, as the winner of the 12 October election. The ruling came after days of protests demanding transparent results.
Who is Paul Biya?
The 92-year-old leader has ruled the central African country since 1982. The Constitutional Council said Biya received 53.66 per cent of the vote. His main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary once a close ally received 35.19%, The Associated Press (AP) reported.
Tchiroma had earlier claimed victory using figures he said were collected by his campaign team. Biya rejected that claim.
What happened during the protests?
At least four people were killed in Cameroon’s economic hub, Douala, on Sunday during clashes with security forces, according to AP. Protesters took to the streets in several cities, calling for fair results.
Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Diboua, governor of the Littoral Region that includes Douala, told AP that 105 protesters were arrested and several police officers were injured.
Videos on social media showed officers firing tear gas and trying to clear blockades in Douala and in the northern cities of Garoua and Maroua.
Why is there tension?
Opposition supporters say Biya used government power to influence the election, including what they call unfair decisions to block strong rivals from running. Many young voters say they want change.
“I am ready to stake my life to defend my vote,” said Oumarou Bouba, a 27-year-old trader in Maroua, speaking to AP. “I voted for Tchiroma because I want change.”
More than 70% of Cameroon’s nearly 30 million people are under 35, according to AP. Many have known no other leader.
What challenges continue?
Biya rarely appears in public, spending long periods in Europe while advisers handle government affairs. His long rule has been marked by conflict:
- Boko Haram attacks in the north
- A separatist crisis in English-speaking regions
The dispute over language rights has killed nearly 7,000 people and forced more than one million from their homes. Thousands have fled to Nigeria, AP reported.
Cameroon has oil and modest economic growth, but many young people say they feel excluded from progress. World Bank data cited by AP show official unemployment at 3.5%, but 57% of workers aged 18 to 35 are in informal jobs.
