CCISSGO-24

Cameroon stands at a critical crossroads as vote counting continues following the presidential election held on October 12, 2025. The atmosphere across the nation remains tense, with reports of unrest in several regions — far beyond the initial incidents in Garoua. The outcome of this election will shape the country’s future and determine whether Africa’s oldest serving president, Paul Biya, continues his decades-long rule. A NATION ON EDGE At 92 years old, President Paul Biya has ruled Cameroon since 1982, making him one of the world’s longest-serving leaders. His party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), remains dominant nationwide, but public sentiment shows growing fatigue and frustration over economic hardship, insecurity, and lack of political reform. This year’s election introduced a serious challenger — Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former government spokesperson who defected from Biya’s camp to run independently. His campaign gained...