Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest head of state, was inaugurated on Thursday for a seventh term following a contentious election marred by allegations of fraud. The 92-year-old leader, who has been in power since 1982, took the oath of office in a heavily militarized Yaounde, the nation’s capital, which residents described as partially deserted. Biya’s victory, declared by Cameroon’s top court on October 27 with 53.66% of the vote, has been labeled a “constitutional coup” by his main rival, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who secured 35.19% of the vote. In his address to Parliament, Biya pledged to uphold the trust of the Cameroonian people and work towards a “united, stable, and prosperous” nation. However, the ceremony unfolded against a backdrop of deep political divisions, ongoing security challenges in Anglophone regions, and widespread disillusionment among the populace. Protests erupted across the country after the October 19 election, culminating in a three-day lockdown this week. The government confirmed at least five deaths during the unrest, though opposition groups claim the toll is significantly higher. Tchiroma accused Biya of orchestrating “electoral theft,” asserting that the will of the people had been trampled. Biya’s prolonged rule, enabled by a 2008 constitutional amendment abolishing term limits, has left many young Cameroonians disillusioned. With over 70% of the population under 35, his tenure has been marked by economic stagnation and armed insurgencies in the north and west. If he completes this term, Biya will step down at nearly 100 years old, leaving behind a legacy of mixed results and a nation grappling with uncertainty.
Cameroon’s 92-year-old president Paul Biya sworn in again as opposition cries foul
