Cameroon’s long-serving leader, Paul Biya, 92, was sworn in on Thursday for an eighth consecutive term as president, vowing to restore order to a nation rocked by deadly post-election violence and mounting allegations of fraud.
In a solemn ceremony held at the National Assembly in Yaoundé, Biya already the world’s oldest sitting head of state pledged to lead Cameroon toward stability and unity despite the unrest that has gripped the Central African nation since last month’s disputed vote.
“I can assure you, order will reign,” Biya declared in his inaugural address, extending condolences to the families of those killed in the protests. He blamed “irresponsible politicians” for inciting chaos, insisting that “it is pointless to plunge the country into crisis.”
Election Dispute and Violence
Official results from the electoral body Elecam show Paul Biya winning 54% of the vote, ahead of his main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who secured 35%. But Bakary, a former information minister and once a close ally of Biya, has rejected the results, calling the election “a monumental fraud.”
The National Human Rights Commission reports at least 14 people killed and more than 1,200 arrestedin protests following the announcement. Independent observers and civil society groups claim the real death toll is significantly higher.
Paul Biya praised the security forces for “containing the disturbances,” but his speech made no mention of accusations of excessive force during the crackdown.
Ahead of the inauguration, major cities including Garoua and Douala were paralyzed by a general strikecalled by Bakary, who urged supporters to resist until his “victory” was recognized.
He has appealed to foreign governments to impose sanctions on Cameroonian officials over alleged electoral fraud and human rights abuses. Despite his fiery rhetoric, Bakary has not filed an official complaint, and the Constitutional Council has dismissed eight petitions contesting the results, citing insufficient evidence.
Biya has ruled Cameroon since November 1982, when he succeeded President Ahmadou Ahidjo. Over four decades later, critics accuse him of authoritarian rule, corruption, and stifling dissent, while supporters hail him as a pillar of stability in a volatile region.
In his address, Biya promised to prioritize youth employment, women’s empowerment, and renewed efforts to combat corruption.
“The election is now behind us,” he said. “It is time to work together to build a united, stable, and prosperous Cameroon.”
As the nonagenarian leader embarks on another seven-year term, questions loom over succession, political reform, and Cameroon’s future under one of Africa’s most enduring rulers.
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