YAOUNDE, Cameroon – At least four opposition supporters have been killed amid protests in Cameroon following the confirmation of President Paul Biya’s re-election for an eighth term.

Protests erupted after Biya, 92 years old and Africa’s oldest head of state, was declared the winner of the October 12 presidential election by the Constitutional Council. The announcement means Biya could remain in power until 2032, having already ruled Cameroon since 1982.

Opposition supporters of Issa Tchiroma Bakary of the Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon defied a ban on demonstrations, setting police vehicles on fire, blocking roads, and burning tyres in Douala, the country’s economic capital. Around 30 activists were arrested during the unrest.

Security forces responded with tear gas and water cannons. Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua, governor of the Douala region, confirmed that several security personnel were injured and four protesters were killed during clashes near police stations in the second and sixth districts. Tchiroma’s campaign team also confirmed the fatalities.

Opposition supporters allege that the election was rigged in Biya’s favour. The government has denied these claims, urging citizens to wait for the official results.

Biya’s presidency spans 43 years, making him one of the world’s longest-serving leaders. Critics have repeatedly described past elections as “stolen,” and opposition calls for fair results have intensified amid widespread concerns about democratic governance in Cameroon.