Cameroon’s 92-year-old President, Paul Biya, has been sworn in for an unprecedented eighth consecutive term, vowing to restore order in the wake of violent protests that erupted after last month’s disputed election.
During his inauguration ceremony at the National Assembly in Yaoundé, Biya promised to ensure peace and stability, blaming what he called “irresponsible politicians” for the unrest that followed the election results. “I can assure you, order will reign,” he declared, urging citizens to put the elections behind them and work together for a “united, stable and prosperous” Cameroon.
The long-serving leader, who has ruled since 1982, secured 54% of the vote, according to official results announced by the electoral commission, Elecam. His closest rival, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, polled 35% but rejected the outcome, alleging widespread fraud. Authorities have denied the accusations.
The declaration of results sparked deadly demonstrations across several cities, leaving at least 14 people dead and more than 1,200 arrested, according to the National Human Rights Commission. Other groups, however, claim the number of fatalities was significantly higher.
In his speech, Biya commended the security forces for containing the protests but did not address allegations of excessive force. He pledged to prioritize issues affecting women and young people, and reiterated his commitment to tackling corruption and insecurity—problems that have dogged his four-decade rule.
Ahead of the ceremony, opposition strongholds such as Garoua and Douala were paralyzed by a general strike called by Bakary, who insisted he was the rightful winner and appealed to foreign governments to sanction Cameroonian officials over the alleged electoral abuses.
The Constitutional Council dismissed eight petitions challenging the election, citing insufficient evidence or lack of jurisdiction to overturn the results. Bakary, a former government spokesperson who broke away from Biya’s camp to lead the National Salvation Front, has refused to accept the verdict.
Biya, who first assumed power following the resignation of Ahmadou Ahidjo in 1982, remains Africa’s oldest and one of its longest-serving leaders. His latest victory cements more than 40 years of uninterrupted rule in the Central African nation.
