Cameroon’s long-serving president Paul Biya, aged 92, was sworn in for another seven-year term on Thursday, extending his 42-year rule despite opposition claims of fraud and international concern over the handling of post-election unrest.
Biya, appearing in a dark suit and speaking in a measured tone before lawmakers and invited officials in Yaoundé, said he was aware of the country’s deep political tensions and pledged to restore calm. He also accused parts of the Cameroonian diaspora and “irresponsible politicians” of fuelling unrest following the disputed October 12 vote.
“I fully measure the seriousness of the situation and the many challenges our country faces,” Biya said in his inauguration speech.
The United Nations says at least 48 civilians were killed by security forces during protests that broke out after opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary declared himself the real winner. Cameroonian authorities have not released their own casualty figures or responded to repeated requests for comment.
Official tallies said Biya won with 53.66% of the vote, compared to 35.19% for Tchiroma, who served in government until his resignation earlier this year and who now claims some elements within the military support him. He has offered no evidence of the scale of such support.
Biya first took power in 1982 and is currently the world’s oldest sitting head of state. His new mandate could keep him in office until he is nearly 100, raising fresh questions about succession, political stability and the future of governance in the oil-producing Central African nation.
Regional diplomats and rights groups say the situation is being closely watched not only because of Cameroon’s strategic position in Central Africa, but also because previous elections under Biya have been followed by violent crackdowns, internet blackouts and widespread restrictions on opposition activity.
Source:Africa Publicity
