Can Cameroon find peace under a leader who has ruled for more than four decades? President Paul Biya, aged 92 and the world’s oldest sitting head of state, has been declared the winner of Cameroon’s October 12 presidential election, extending his 43-year rule. The Constitutional Council announced on Monday that Biya secured 53.66% of the vote, defeating his former ally turned rival, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who received 35.19%. The declaration came just a day after violent clashes between protesters and security forces left four people dead and over 100 arrested in Douala, the country’s economic capital.

According to Jocomms Reporter, opposition supporters took to the streets demanding credible results after Bakary claimed victory, citing figures allegedly collated by his party. Security forces fired tear gas and clashed with demonstrators who barricaded major roads in Douala, Garoua, and Maroua. Regional governor Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Diboua confirmed the casualties and said several officers were injured during the unrest. Videos circulating online showed chaotic scenes as protesters defied bans and security units struggled to restore order.

Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, dismissed Bakary’s claims of victory and called for calm after the official results were announced. But as the nation grapples with rising tensions, questions linger about the legitimacy of the vote and the future of democracy in the central African state. Will Biya’s renewed mandate bring stability—or deepen Cameroon’s political crisis? Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.