Has There Been A Military Takeover In Cameroon?
On December 13, 2025, a Facebook user @TochukwuObiora claimed that soldiers have seized control of Cameroon’s capital and President Paul Biya has been placed under “strict guard,” suggesting a military coup is underway or has succeeded. The post had images of uniformed Cameroon military men and President Paul Biya, with the caption:
“BREAKING: Coup in Cameroon; Heavy Tension as Soldiers Reportedly Seize Control of Cameroon, President Placed Under “Strict Guard” Reports emerging tonight suggest that a military takeover is unfolding in Cameroon, as armed soldiers were seen occupying major streets and strategic locations across the capital. According to local sources, President Paul Biya has been placed under what officials are calling “strict protective custody,” a phrase many observers interpret as house arrest. Eyewitnesses say the operation began in the early hours, with military convoys rolling through the city. One witness said: “The soldiers came out in full force. Checkpoints everywhere. It felt like the entire country was suddenly under new command.”
VERIFICATION
Cameroon’s Constitutional Council declared the country’s long-time President Paul Biya as the winner of the October 12, 2025 presidential election with about 53.66 percent of the vote. He was formally sworn in for another term on November 6, 2025. These steps demonstrate the normal functioning of the constitutional process rather than a breakdown of state authority.
The political climate in Cameroon has been tense since the election. The opposition has rejected the results and there have been protests and clashes involving security forces in several cities. Security elements, including police and army units, have been deployed to manage protests.
While Cameron has been faced with civil unrest since the election was concluded. There are no reports from established news agencies or official government statements confirming that the Cameroonian military has seized control of the government or ousted President Paul Biya.
Cameroon’s last significant coup attempt occurred in 1984 and was unsuccessful. Since then, the country has not experienced a successful military coup.
The images attached to the link have been online for quite a while and are unrelated to the claim, here, here and here. Also, a link embedded at the bottom of the claim revealed that it is irrelevant to the allegation being made and does not provide any evidence to support or confirm the credibility of the claim.
CONCLUSION
The claim that soldiers have seized control of Cameroon’s capital and President Paul Biya has been placed under “strict guard,” suggesting a military coup is underway or has succeeded is FALSE. What is currently documented is heightened political tension and increased security presence linked to post election unrest, not a breakdown of constitutional order. There is no credible local or international news report, or official statement that confirms a takeover of power by the military or the detention of the president.
