Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, aged 92 and the world’s longest-serving head of state, has secured an eighth term in office with 53.66% of the vote, according to official results announced by the Constitutional Council. His closest rival and former ally, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, received 35.19%. The new seven-year term could extend Biya’s rule until nearly age 100.

The announcement followed days of unrest, with opposition supporters clashing with security forces as early results pointed to Biya’s victory in the October 12 election. The government has not yet commented on the outcome but has consistently denied allegations of electoral misconduct.

After the results were made public, Tchiroma reported on social media that gunfire erupted outside his home in Garoua, killing two civilians. He did not specify who was responsible or address the election directly. Last week, he had declared himself the winner and vowed not to recognise any other result.

Tensions remain high across the country, particularly after at least four people were killed in recent protests in Douala. Analysts warned of potential instability, with one noting,

“We expect unrest to escalate as Cameroonians widely reject the official result, and we cannot see the Biya government lasting much longer.”

Another expert observed that

“Biya now has a notably shaky mandate given many of his own citizens don’t believe he won the election,” urging him to “urgently initiate a national mediation to prevent further escalation.”

Biya first assumed office in 1982 and consolidated his control by abolishing presidential term limits in 2008. Announcing the final results, Constitutional Council president Clement Atangana declared,

“Hereby declared elected President of the Republic, having obtained the majority of the votes cast, the candidate, Biya, Paul.”

Tchiroma, a former government minister, ran with backing from several opposition parties and civic groups, drawing large crowds throughout his campaign.