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Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya was sworn in for another seven-year term on Thursday, extending his four-decade rule amid claims of electoral fraud and a tense political atmosphere across the Central African nation.
During the ceremony at Parliament in Yaounde, Biya pledged to remain “faithful to the confidence of the Cameroonian people” and promised to work toward a “united, stable and prosperous” country. The capital was reportedly under heavy military presence, with many streets deserted during the inauguration.
Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, secured 53.66% of the vote in the October 12 election according to official results announced by the country’s top court on October 27. His former ally-turned-rival, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, received 35.19% of votes but has rejected the outcome.
“The will of the Cameroonian people was trampled that day, our sovereignty stolen in broad daylight,” Tchiroma wrote in a statement on Wednesday. “This is not democracy, it is electoral theft, a constitutional coup as blatant as it is shameful.”
The disputed election sparked protests in several regions of Cameroon, followed by a three-day opposition-called lockdown this week. Government sources confirmed at least five deaths during the demonstrations, though opposition groups and civil society organizations claim the toll is significantly higher.
Munjah Vitalis Fagha, a senior politics lecturer at Cameroon’s University of Buea, described the political climate as “tense yet controlled” with “deep divisions between the ruling elite and a growingly disillusioned populace.”
“The ceremony occurs amid calls for political renewal, ongoing security challenges in the Anglophone regions, and widespread concerns over governance and succession,” Fagha told The Associated Press.
Biya’s extended tenure—making him the world’s oldest president and Africa’s second-longest serving leader—has been facilitated by a 2008 constitutional amendment that abolished presidential term limits. If he completes his new term, he would leave office at nearly 100 years old, having ruled longer than most Cameroonians have been alive. Over 70% of the country’s nearly 30 million citizens are under 35 years of age.
His health has become a subject of intense speculation in recent years, as he spends significant time in Europe, leaving day-to-day governance to key party officials and family members. This absentee leadership has contributed to growing frustration among citizens.
The economic and security challenges facing Cameroon have intensified during Biya’s rule. The country battles armed insurgencies in both its northern regions, where Boko Haram militants operate, and its western Anglophone regions, where separatist movements have fought government forces since 2017. Meanwhile, economic stagnation has left many young Cameroonians without job prospects.
Ordinary citizens expressed mixed reactions to Biya’s new term. Priscilla Ayimboh, a 40-year-old seamstress in Yaounde, voiced her disillusionment: “I’m tired of Biya’s rule and I no longer care whatever he does. It’s a pity. I wonder what will become of Cameroon in the next seven years: there are no roads, water, and jobs.”
Others, like Njewa Betrand Mbohchukeh, a 30-year-old teacher from Maroua, remain cautiously hopeful. “In the next seven years, life in Cameroon may improve if there is a positive change in government policy, or completely worsen if the regime maintains inertia toward the masses,” he said.
Cameroon, a resource-rich nation that produces oil and agricultural commodities including cocoa and coffee, has struggled to translate its natural wealth into broad-based development. Critics point to endemic corruption and governance issues as major obstacles to economic progress.
As Biya begins his eighth term in office, the country’s political future remains uncertain, with questions about succession planning and democratic transition looming large over a nation that has known only two presidents since independence.
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15 Comments
This news highlights the challenges of maintaining political stability and accountable governance in resource-rich African nations. I’ll be following this story closely to see how it unfolds.
This news highlights the complex challenges of resource-based economies and authoritarian rule in parts of Africa. I’ll be curious to see if this spurs any new initiatives for political and economic reforms in the region.
Interesting to see the ongoing political tensions in Cameroon over this election result. I wonder if there will be any independent international observers weighing in on the claims of electoral fraud. It’s a complex situation for sure.
The reports of a heavy military presence during the inauguration ceremony are quite concerning. I hope this doesn’t escalate into wider unrest or crackdowns on dissent in Cameroon.
As an investor, I’ll be watching this situation closely to assess any potential impacts on commodity prices and mining operations in the region. Political instability can create significant market volatility.
This is a concerning situation, with a long-serving president clinging to power amidst allegations of electoral irregularities. The people of Cameroon deserve free and fair elections that truly reflect their will.
While I understand the strategic importance of Cameroon’s mineral resources, the well-being of its citizens should be the top priority. I hope this political crisis can be resolved through peaceful, democratic means.
This news highlights the importance of strong, independent election monitoring to ensure the integrity of democratic processes, even in resource-rich nations like Cameroon. Transparency is crucial.
It’s disheartening to see allegations of electoral fraud and a lack of respect for democratic norms in Cameroon. I hope the international community can play a constructive role in resolving this crisis.
The heavy military presence during the inauguration ceremony is quite worrying. One hopes that Cameroon can find a peaceful path forward that respects democratic principles and the rule of law.
Given Cameroon’s strategic location and mineral wealth, this contested election result could have broader geopolitical ramifications. I wonder how regional powers and international bodies will respond.
That’s a good point. Cameroon’s resource endowments and regional influence mean this will likely have ripple effects beyond its borders.
A 92-year-old president being sworn in for another 7-year term? That seems quite out of step with democratic norms. I hope the opposition’s concerns are properly investigated and addressed.
Agreed, the advanced age of the president and the allegations of fraud make this a very unusual situation. Transparency and accountability will be crucial going forward.
I’m curious to learn more about the economic and resource implications of this political turmoil in Cameroon. As a major producer of commodities like gold and other minerals, this could have wider regional impacts.