Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has been sworn in for an eighth term, extending his 43-year rule after winning a disputed election last month. The 92-year-old, who is the world’s oldest serving head of state, secured 53.7 percent of the vote, defeating his main challenger and former minister, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who polled 35.2 percent.
Biya took the oath of office before parliament in Yaounde, pledging to be worthy of the people’s trust and to address the country’s economic and social challenges. No foreign leaders attended the ceremony.
Opposition candidate Tchiroma has rejected the results, declaring himself the rightful winner and calling for nationwide protests. Several demonstrators were reported killed when security forces dispersed rallies following the announcement of Biya’s victory on October 27.
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The government has threatened legal action against Tchiroma over what it calls incitement to insurrection, while the European Union and African Union have condemned the violent crackdown and the UN has called for an investigation. Biya remains only the second leader of Cameroon since independence in 1960.
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