Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya has been sworn in for an unprecedented eighth term in office, promising to restore order following weeks of post-election unrest.
In his inaugural address at parliament in Yaoundé, Biya, the world’s oldest serving president, pledged to stabilise the country and condemned what he called “irresponsible politicians” for inciting violence. “I can assure you, order will reign,” he declared, adding that it was “pointless to plunge the country into crisis.”
At least 14 people have been killed and more than 1,200 arrested during violent protests that erupted after the disputed election results were announced, according to the National Human Rights Commission. Other organisations have reported higher figures.
Biya, who first came to power in 1982, officially won 54 percent of the vote, defeating opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who secured 35 percent. Tchiroma Bakary rejected the results, insisting he was the rightful winner and accusing the authorities of electoral fraud — allegations the government has denied.
Addressing the controversy, Biya described the election as “satisfactory” and praised the country’s electoral body, Elecam, for its conduct of the vote. He congratulated security forces for containing the protests but did not address complaints of excessive use of force.
Calling for reconciliation, Biya urged citizens to move beyond the election and focus on building a “united, stable, and prosperous” nation. He also pledged to prioritise issues affecting women and young people, while renewing his commitment to fighting corruption and tackling insecurity.
The swearing-in ceremony came amid a general strike called by Tchiroma Bakary in his strongholds of Garoua and Douala. He vowed to “resist until his victory is recognised” and urged foreign powers to impose sanctions on Cameroonian officials over the post-election crackdown.
Judges at the Constitutional Council dismissed eight complaints filed over the election, citing insufficient evidence or lack of jurisdiction to annul the results.
Biya’s critics accuse him of ruling the Central African nation with an iron fist since succeeding President Ahmadou Ahidjo more than four decades ago. His re-election extends one of the longest presidencies in the world, as questions persist over Cameroon’s democratic future.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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