Cameroon’s President Paul Biya was sworn in on Thursday for an unprecedented eighth term, cementing his 43-year grip on power after winning 53.66% of the vote in last month’s election.
The inauguration, marked by a 101-gun salute as his motorcade travelled from the Paul Biya Glass House to the Unity Palace, was broadcast live by the state-run CRTV. In his address, Biya expressed gratitude to Cameroonians for their continued trust, pledging to prioritize the welfare of youth and women in his new mandate, and to remain committed to national unity and stability.
However, the election was marred by controversy and deadly unrest. Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who garnered 39.19% of the vote, rejected the results, alleging irregularities and sparking protests that led to violent confrontations with security forces. Several civilians were reportedly killed in the clashes. Despite growing domestic and international calls for political reform, Biya’s latest term underscores his enduring control over the Central African nation, where he remains the world’s oldest sitting president.