Unrest was not limited to Douala. Videos circulating on social media depicted barricades, tear-gas volleys and running battles in Garoua and Maroua in the north. Human rights groups said dozens of activists were detained in the days leading up to the verdict, bringing the total number of arrests since Friday to well over 100. The Ministry of Territorial Administration stated over the weekend that several detainees were suspected of plotting violent acts intended to disrupt the electoral process.
Election backdrop
Biya’s decision to seek another mandate sparked discontent among large segments of Cameroon’s 30 million inhabitants, particularly younger voters who have spent their entire lives under his rule. Opposition parties accused the incumbent of leveraging state resources and institutions to tilt the contest in his favor. Allegations ranged from selective voter registration practices to the earlier disqualification of a prominent rival whose candidacy could have split the ruling party’s support base. Electoral officials rejected those claims, insisting that the poll was administered in line with national legislation.
Bakary, a former ally turned opponent, proclaimed himself victor several days before polls closed, citing tallies allegedly compiled by his campaign. The Biya camp dismissed the declaration as premature and unlawful. After Monday’s ruling, Bakary’s party reiterated its intention to challenge the outcome through domestic and international legal channels, though Cameroonian law grants the Constitutional Council final authority on presidential election disputes.
International concern
Observers from regional blocs noted relatively high turnout in parts of the south and center but reported lower participation in northern provinces, where protests later flared. The African Union and other partners urged calm and called on all stakeholders to respect institutional mechanisms. Cameroon’s strategic position and membership in the oil-producing
Central African Economic and Monetary Community make political stability a priority for neighboring states and foreign investors. The country also hosts multilateral counter-terrorism operations aimed at degrading Boko Haram along its northern border.
Economic challenges add to the political tensions. Despite growth in urban centers such as Douala and Yaoundé, youth unemployment remains stubbornly high, and the nation ranks 151st on the World Bank’s per-capita income table. Opposition movements argue that extended incumbency has hindered governance reforms, while government officials credit Biya with maintaining relative stability in a volatile region.
Next steps
Under Cameroonian law, the new presidential term begins immediately after the Constitutional Council pronounces final results. The incoming administration is expected to announce a cabinet reshuffle and outline a policy agenda that, according to ruling party officials, will prioritize economic diversification, security and youth employment. Analysts will watch closely for signs of reconciliation with opposition figures following the post-election turmoil.
Meanwhile, rights organizations have called for impartial investigations into the deaths of protesters and urged authorities to release detainees who were not involved in violence. Legal teams representing families of the deceased stated that they intend to file wrongful-death complaints once autopsy reports are completed.
With Monday’s confirmation, Biya surpasses 43 years in power, reinforcing his status as one of the longest-serving leaders in modern history. Whether the latest mandate will ease tensions or further entrench divisions remains uncertain, but the court’s declaration closes the formal electoral contest and sets the stage for another chapter of his extended presidency.
Crédito da imagem: Associated Press
