Cameroon’s long-time leader President Paul Biya has been sworn in for an eighth term in office following a highly disputed election that sparked days of violent protests across the country.
At 92 years old, Biya remains the world’s oldest sitting head of state, and his re-election has drawn both domestic and international criticism.
Call for Calm and Unity
During his inauguration ceremony held on Thursday at the National Assembly in Yaoundé, a city described by residents as heavily militarised and partly deserted, President Biya appealed for calm and national unity.
“I appeal to everyone’s sense of responsibility. I’m addressing all those who are working to incite hatred and violence in our country, particularly some of our compatriots in the diaspora,” Biya said.
“Cameroon does not need a post-election crisis with potentially dramatic consequences, as has been seen elsewhere.”
He pledged to restore order and uphold the trust of the Cameroonian people, promising to work for a “united, stable, and prosperous” nation.
Deadly Protests After Election Results
Protests erupted shortly after the Constitutional Council declared Biya the winner of the 27 October election with 53.66% of the vote, ahead of opposition leader and former ally Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who secured 35.19%.
Opposition supporters and international observers have alleged widespread vote rigging and manipulation, claiming the election was neither free nor fair.
The unrest turned deadly as security forces clashed with demonstrators in several regions. According to two United Nations sources, at least 48 civilians were killed during the protests, while government officials report five deaths.
The situation worsened after Tchiroma claimed victory and called for mass demonstrations, triggering a three-day lockdown across parts of the country this week.
International Concern Over Crackdown
Global human rights organizations and foreign governments have condemned the violent response by Cameroonian security forces, urging restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation.
Analysts say the post-election turmoil reflects growing frustration among Cameroonians, particularly the youth, who feel alienated by nearly five decades of Biya’s rule.
A Controversial Legacy
President Biya first took office in 1982, following the resignation of Cameroon’s founding president, Ahmadou Ahidjo. He has maintained power for more than 42 years, bolstered by a 2008 constitutional amendment that abolished term limits.
While Biya has often described his leadership as one of stability, critics point to armed insurgencies in the north and west, economic stagnation, and a deepening sense of political disenchantment.
His prolonged absences from the country often spending extended periods in Europe have fueled speculation about his health and ability to govern.
As Biya begins another seven-year term, questions remain about Cameroon’s political future and whether meaningful reforms can emerge under his continued leadership.
