Paul Biya, 92, was sworn in on Thursday for an unprecedented eighth seven-year term as president of Cameroon, cementing the rule of the world’s oldest serving head of state.
Biya who has led Cameroon since 1982 was declared the winner of the Oct. 12 presidential vote with roughly 53.7% of the official count, while his main challenger, former minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary, was credited with about 35.2% and has rejected the result.
The election and its aftermath have been marred by widespread opposition allegations of fraud and a wave of street protests. Local civil-society groups and U.N. sources say clashes between demonstrators and security forces left scores dead, although official government casualty figures are lower and disputed.
At the inauguration in the National Assembly in Yaoundé, Biya acknowledged the country’s “serious challenges” and framed recent unrest as the work of “irresponsible politicians” and elements in the diaspora, pledging to restore order during his new term.
Opposition leaders have continued to call for nonviolent resistance, including localized lockdowns and protests in major cities such as Douala, Garoua and Maroua, actions that have disrupted transport and commerce and heightened tensions across the country.
International reaction has been cautious. Some foreign governments and rights groups expressed concern about reports of violence around the vote and urged restraint and dialogue, while other partners stressed the importance of stability in the Central African nation.
Biya’s new term extends a presidency that critics say has grown increasingly entrenched and authoritarian over four decades, while supporters argue continuity will preserve stability and ongoing development projects. Analysts warn that the unresolved political grievances and heavy-handed responses to dissent risk deepening divisions in Cameroon.
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