Zim GBC News | Political Reporter
YAOUNDÉ – Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya has secured his eighth consecutive term in office, extending his rule until 2032 in an election result that has sparked both celebration and fierce debate across Africa.
The Constitutional Council announced Biya’s victory with 53.66% of the vote, a result that came amidst violent protests that left four people dead and resulted in over 100 arrests. Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former Biya ally who resigned from government in June, had declared himself the winner earlier, alleging widespread voter fraud.
Biya, who has governed Cameroon since 1982 after serving as Prime Minister from 1975, maintained minimal public visibility during campaigning.
“He appeared once for campaign rallies, allowing his machine to do the work,” analysts noted, in what many saw as a predictable outcome against a divided opposition.
The announcement triggered mixed reactions on social media, particularly among Zimbabwean commentators. While some celebrated the victory, others expressed deep concern about Africa’s governance patterns.
“Well done Biya,” wrote one supporter, while another questioned:
“Memory ichipo here apo … Africa woye!!!” (Is his memory still intact there… Africa woye!!!)
The conversation turned philosophical as another commentator noted: “with age comes wisdom,” to which another retorted:
“This is complete madness, afurika soo.”
The health and capacity of the 92-year-old leader became a point of contention, with one observer remarking:
“This pic isn’t even the latest pic of him, ikozvino kaparara, handifunge kuti kachakwanisa kana kuisimudza” (He’s now deteriorated, I don’t think he can even raise his hand).
A regional perspective emerged as another commenter stated:
“Lawo maresults ngamanga aluhlaza tshoko. Abantu beCameroun ngeke bevotele ikhehla alingasakwazi ukuthi ekhaya kungaphi.” (Those results are pure lies. The people of Cameroon would never vote for an old man who doesn’t even know his way home.)
The discussion broadened to include regional political parallels, with one analyst noting:
“For the same reason why some here want ED for life presidency. That’s what a patronage system does.”
Biya’s extended rule means he will be 99 years old when his current term concludes, raising questions about political succession and democratic transitions across the continent.
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