YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon — Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya was sworn in for an eighth consecutive term in office, following an election that triggered a wave of post-election violence across the country. In his inaugural address, the world’s oldest president promised citizens that he would swiftly restore stability.
Offering condolences to the victims of the protests, President Biya specifically blamed the subsequent unrest on what he termed “irresponsible politicians.”
“I can assure you, order will reign,” he promised, asserting that it was pointless to plunge the country into crisis.
Disputed election and political fallout
The nonagenarian leader won the poll with 54% of the vote, according to official results, compared to 35% secured by his main rival, Issa Tchiroma Bakary.
Following persistent allegations of fraud during the process, Biya described the electoral conduct as satisfactory and praised the electoral body, Elecam.
However, challenger Tchiroma Bakary maintains he was the rightful winner of the poll and has publicly accused the authorities of fraud, a claim that the authorities have denied.
The announcement of the official results led to deadly protests nationwide, resulting in at least 14 people killed and more than 1,200 arrested, according to figures from the National Human Rights Commission. Other institutions have presented a far higher death toll.
In his swearing-in speech delivered at the country’s parliament in the capital, Yaoundé, Biya congratulated the security forces for their role in containing the protests but notably failed to address complaints regarding the excessive use of force.
He insisted that the election was now a matter of the past, urging citizens to unite with him to build a “united, stable, and prosperous” country.
Resistance and international appeal
Prior to the inauguration, several parts of the country experienced crippling disruptions due to a general strike called by Tchiroma Bakary, particularly in his strongholds of Garoua and Douala.
The opposition leader, who is the head of the National Salvation Front party and a former government information minister, has vowed to resist until his “victory” is officially recognized.
He went on to urge foreign powers to impose sanctions on Cameroonian officials over the recent crackdown on protests and complaints over electoral fraud.
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The Constitutional Council had previously dismissed eight official complaints regarding the election, citing insufficient evidence of irregularities or a lack of jurisdiction required to annul the results. Tchiroma Bakary himself has notably refused to file an official complaint.
President Biya, who first came into power in November 1982 following the resignation of President Ahmadou Ahidjo, is criticized by opponents who say he has ruled the country with an iron fist since then.
The President promised to make issues affecting women and young people a priority, with a commitment to address corruption and security challenges that have marred his administration over the years.
