Cameroon’s political landscape was jolted on October 14, 2025, when opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary declared victory in the country’s presidential election—despite official results still pending. The announcement has intensified tensions in a nation long governed by President Paul Biya, who seeks eighth term holding power since 1982.
Cameroon opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary has unilaterally declared victory in the country’s presidential election.
Tchiroma made the statement in a nearly five-minute speech posted to social media early on Tuesday. Although official channels have not declared results, he urged long-term incumbent, 92-year-old President Paul Biya, to call him to concede.
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Leader of the Cameroon National Salvation Front and a former employment minister, made his declaration via a five-minute video posted on social media. In the statement, he asserted that the people had chosen change and called on Biya to “accept the truth of the ballot box” or risk plunging the country into turmoil.
“Our victory is clear, it must be respected,” Tchiroma said, urging the incumbent to concede peacefully.
The ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) swiftly rejected Tchiroma’s claim. Gregoire Owona, the party’s deputy secretary-general, stated that the opposition leader lacked verified results and accused him of attempting to destabilize the country.
According to Cameroon’s election laws, only the Constitutional Council is authorized to announce official results, which are expected by October 26.
Competing Claims and Rising Tensions
Both camps have reportedly circulated tally sheets online, fueling competing narratives of victory. While Tchiroma’s supporters celebrated in parts of Garoua and Yaoundé, pro-Biya factions have warned against premature declarations that could incite unrest.
President Biya, now 92 years old, is the world’s oldest sitting head of state and has faced growing calls for political reform amid economic stagnation and regional instability.
International Watchdogs on Alert
International observers have urged calm and transparency. The African Union and European Union have called for restraint and respect for legal processes. Human rights groups are closely monitoring developments, wary of potential crackdowns or post-election violence.
As Cameroon awaits official results, the nation stands at a crossroads. Tchiroma’s declaration has energized opposition hopes, but the final verdict lies with the Constitutional Council. Whether this marks the end of Biya’s decades-long rule or another chapter in Cameroon’s complex political saga remains to be seen.
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