Cameroon Boils Over After Preliminary Election Results

Tensions have erupted across Cameroon following the announcement of preliminary election results indicating that 92-year-old President Paul Biya is on track to secure his eighth term in office.

Biya, who has ruled the country for over 43 years, faces growing anger from citizens frustrated by what many see as a continuation of one-man leadership rather than a true democratic process.

Protesters Take to the Streets

According to social media footage and multiple eyewitness reports, crowds have taken to the streets in major cities. Many protesters are reportedly “burning down everything in their path” in what observers describe as a nationwide outburst of anger.The protests are being viewed as a reflection of deep-seated frustration with a political system that many citizens feel offers no genuine choice.

Public Outcry Over ‘Illusion of Democracy’

Many Cameroonians and online commentators are calling the recent vote an “illusion of democracy.”

Critics argue that the election process merely reinforces Biya’s decades-long rule while silencing opposition voices.

Observers also question how a wheelchair-bound nonagenarian could effectively campaign or govern without predetermined results.

Concerns Over French Influence and Political Control

Some political analysts and activists link the current power structure to France’s historical influence in Cameroon’s affairs. They argue that external backing has helped sustain Biya’s administration despite widespread dissatisfaction.This sentiment adds a geopolitical layer to the protests, as citizens express anger not only at domestic leadership but also at perceived foreign interference.

A Warning for Prolonged Leadership Across Africa

The ongoing unrest in Cameroon is being seen as a warning sign for other African nations with long-serving leaders. Political commentators note that Biya’s case underscores the dangers of extended rule, limited political renewal, and public disillusionment with democracy.

Fear of Further Instability

As the situation unfolds, fears of further unrest and instability continue to grow. For many citizens, the election feels less like a democratic contest and more like the confirmation of a lifetime presidency.

Observers warn that without political reforms and open dialogue, Cameroon could face deeper divisions and continued unrest in the coming days.