Demonstrators on the streets of Cameroon
Cameroonians participated in elections on Sunday, October 12th, marking what has emerged as the most significant electoral event in the nation’s history. The official results, announced on October 26th, declared the long-serving incumbent, President Paul Biya, aged 92, as the victor. According to the purported results issued by the government, Biya secured 53.66 percent of the votes, whereas Issa Tchiroma Bakary, representing a coalition of opposition parties, garnered 35.19 percent. Subsequent to the announcement, Tchiroma Bakary, the runner-up, proclaimed himself the legitimate winner and the rightful leader of Cameroon, asserting to the BBC that the election results were manipulated. This incident precipitated violent confrontations among the government authorities, demonstrators, and opposition factions, resulting in civilian casualties, destruction of property, and political instability.
Cameroon Led by Three Factions
Discontented Cameroonians frequently express the view that control of the country is now divided among three entities: an AmbaZonia-led faction comprising Cameroonians both domestically and in the diaspora; a Tchiroma-led provisional government; and the incumbent administration under President Biya in Yaoundé. According to reports from Africa Intelligence and Africa Report, Bakary has subsequently fled Cameroon to Nigeria.