Cameroon on the Brink: The Dangers of Declaring the Wrong Winner

by All About Cameroon Today
(Cameroon)

Cameroon stands at a dangerous crossroads. The presidential election held on October 12, 2025, which many hoped would mark a peaceful transition of power, now threatens to plunge the nation into chaos. While international observers praised the polls as “peaceful,” reports from across the country tell another story — one of fraud, intimidation, and manipulation orchestrated by the ruling CPDM party of President Paul Biya.

At 92 years old, Biya is the world’s oldest serving president and one of the longest in power, ruling Cameroon since 1982. In over four decades, he has never lost an election — a fact that has bred both suspicion and fatigue among citizens. This year, however, early polling results painted a different picture: opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary appeared to have secured victory in several regions. Yet as counting progressed, numbers shifted mysteriously in favor of the incumbent.

Now, rumors are circulating that the Constitutional Council will officially declare Biya the winner on October 26. The tension in the streets is palpable. Many believe their votes have been stolen again, and opposition supporters — particularly in the northern regions, where Issa Tchiroma hails from — are calling for citizens to “protect their votes.” If the council ignores the will of the people, Cameroon could face its darkest hour.

A Nation on the Edge

Cameroon is already bleeding from multiple wounds. For nearly nine years, the Anglophone crisis in the North West and South West regions has destroyed lives and displaced millions. In the Far North, the country continues to battle Boko Haram insurgents. The social fabric is fragile, the economy weak, and trust in leadership has nearly vanished. To add an electoral crisis to this mix could ignite a full-scale national collapse.

If Biya is declared winner despite widespread evidence of irregularities, the anger brewing across the country may erupt into open revolt. The northern regions — Adamawa, North, and Far

North — could rise in defense of their “stolen mandate.” With strong cultural and religious unity, these regions could form the backbone of a dangerous resistance movement. Some analysts warn this could lead to fragmentation — a north-south divide that would tear Cameroon apart.

The Cost of Another Stolen Election

Cameroonians are tired. For over 40 years, they have lived under the same rule, with little progress, little opportunity, and growing despair. The youth — who make up the majority — are restless and unemployed. They see no future under the same leadership. If their voices are silenced again, protests could turn into an uprising. Once violence begins, no one can control where it ends.

The situation is further complicated by the ongoing wars. The military is overstretched, fighting on multiple fronts. A new conflict in the North could weaken national defense and create a power vacuum. Boko Haram and other extremist groups could exploit the chaos, transforming Cameroon into another regional war zone. The humanitarian and economic consequences would be catastrophic — not just for Cameroon, but for the entire Central African region.

A Plea for Truth and Wisdom

The Constitutional Council holds the destiny of the nation in its hands. Its decision on October 26 is not merely about declaring a winner; it is about preserving peace, unity, and legitimacy. To force another term for an aging ruler, against the clear will of the people, would be to gamble with the nation’s survival.

Cameroon cannot afford another war. It cannot bear more division. The voices of the people must be respected. The international community — including the African Union, the United Nations, and regional partners — must act now to ensure transparency and fairness.

The lesson of history is clear: when truth is suppressed, nations burn. Cameroon still has a chance to step back from the brink — but only if justice is allowed to speak.