Amanze Chinonye
Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya was sworn in on Thursday for another seven-year term, extending his decades-long rule despite fierce opposition claims that the October 12 presidential election amounted to a “constitutional coup,” Prime Business Africa reports.
Biya, the world’s oldest sitting head of state and Africa’s second-longest serving leader, took the oath of office before Parliament in a ceremony held under heavy military security. Large parts of Yaoundé were described by residents as “partially deserted” after days of tension and lockdowns.
Addressing lawmakers, Biya vowed to remain faithful to the “confidence of the Cameroonian people” and promised to steer the country toward unity and stability. “I fully measure the seriousness of the situation our country is going through… the depth of frustrations, the scale of expectations,” he said.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe inauguration followed a contentious vote in which the constitutional council declared Biya the winner with 53.66%, defeating his former ally-turned-challenger Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who officially scored 35.19%.
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Tchiroma rejected the results outright, alleging widespread manipulation. “The will of the Cameroonian people was trampled that day… This is not democracy, it is electoral theft a constitutional coup,” he wrote on Wednesday night.
The dispute triggered protests in several cities. While the government acknowledged at least five deaths, U.N. sources cited by diplomats and rights monitors estimated civilian casualties at 48 during clashes with security forces.
The government has not released its own casualty figures.
Political analyst Munjah Vitalis Fagha of the University of Buea said the inauguration unfolded in a “tense yet controlled atmosphere, marked by deep divisions between the ruling elite and a disillusioned populace.”
He noted that Biya begins his new mandate under pressure from a stagnant economy, insurgencies in the Far North, and the prolonged Anglophone conflict, alongside rising anxieties over governance and succession.
Biya, who spends significant periods abroad for medical treatment, came to power in 1982 and oversaw the 2008 constitutional amendment that removed presidential term limits. More than 70% of Cameroon’s 30 million citizens are under 35, meaning most have never known another leader. If he completes his new mandate, Biya will be nearly 100 years old by the end of his term.
The disputed election, reports of fractures within the security forces, and swelling generational frustration underscore the stakes of Biya’s continued rule.
Whether he delivers on his promise of “a united, stable and prosperous Cameroon” will depend on how his government responds to the anger simmering across the country and the mounting demands for political renewal.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
