Unconfirmed reports circulating early this morning, Thursday, June 12, 2025, suggest that President Paul Biya of Cameroon has been overthrown in a military coup. Sources in Yaounde claim the takeover occurred around 5:00 AM WAT and was achieved without bloodshed, leading to widespread jubilation in the capital.
Details remain scarce, and official confirmation from military or government sources is yet to be released. However, early eyewitness accounts from Yaounde describe scenes of celebration in the streets, indicating a potential shift in the country’s long-standing political landscape.
President Paul Biya, who has been at the helm of Cameroon for over four decades, was expected to seek an eighth presidential term in elections scheduled for October 2025. His prolonged rule has been met with increasing discontent, particularly concerning the country’s economic struggles, human rights issues, and the ongoing Anglophone crisis.
The past few months have seen heightened political tensions in Cameroon, with opposition parties and civil society groups advocating for change and a more inclusive political process. There have also been reports of growing unease within the military, with some analysts suggesting that Biya’s grip on power was loosening amidst various internal and external pressures.
Should these reports be confirmed, it would mark a significant turning point for Cameroon, a nation grappling with multiple challenges including a protracted humanitarian crisis and concerns over democratic governance. The international community will be closely watching for further developments and official statements regarding the alleged coup and the formation of any transitional authority.