Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has been declared winner of the country’s presidential election, securing 53.66 percent of the vote to extend his four-decade rule, the Constitutional Council announced on Monday.
The 92-year-old leader, already the world’s oldest sitting president, won what will be his eighth term in office. His closest challenger, former government minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary, garnered 35.2 percent, according to the official results.
The Cameroon poll outcome sparked widespread protests in major cities, including Douala, where four people were reported killed and more than 100 arrested as security forces clashed with demonstrators rejecting the outcome.
Bakary had earlier claimed victory after the October 12 election, citing results he said were compiled by his party, a claim Biya’s camp dismissed.
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Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Diboua, governor of the Littoral Region, confirmed that “at least 105 protesters were detained,” adding that several security personnel were injured during the unrest.
Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, said authorities had earlier detained individuals “plotting violent acts” before the vote, warning against any attempts to destabilize the country.
With his victory in the Cameroon poll, Biya, in power since 1982, is set to lead the Central African nation until 2032, despite growing discontent among opposition groups and younger citizens frustrated by his prolonged stay in office.