Addis Ababa, Oct 29: The African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has congratulated Paul Biya on his re-election as the President of Cameroon, while simultaneously urging for inclusive national dialogue to ease ongoing political tensions in the country.
The statement followed the Cameroon Constitutional Council’s official confirmation that Biya secured a historic eighth term, winning 53.66 per cent of the votes in the recently concluded presidential election. His closest rival, Issa Tchiroma Bakary of the Cameroon National Salvation Front, finished second with 35.19 per cent. Out of more than eight million registered voters, around 4.6 million Cameroonians cast their ballots, marking a turnout of 57.76 per cent, higher than 2018 but below 2011 levels.
In his congratulatory message, Youssouf lauded Biya’s victory but voiced grave concern over reports of violence, repression, and the arrest of protesters following the announcement of results. He called on all political and institutional actors to exercise restraint and prioritize social cohesion, peace, and stability.
“The African Union calls upon Cameroon’s authorities to give topmost priority to inclusive national dialogue and consultation with all political stakeholders, fostering consensus in the spirit of national unity and collective security,” the AU statement read.
Youssouf reaffirmed the AU’s unwavering commitment to support the people of Cameroon in strengthening democracy, social justice, and the rule of law.
Meanwhile, Constitutional Council President Clement Atangana declared that the election was conducted freely and fairly. With this victory, Paul Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, extends his tenure further, continuing one of the longest-serving presidencies in Africa amid growing domestic and international calls for democratic reforms and reconciliation.
