Cameroon’s President, Paul Biya sworn in for eighth term

Cameroon’s Paul Biya has been sworn in for an eighth consecutive term in office as the world’s oldest president at the age of 92 years.

In his inaugural address on Thursday, Biya promised to restore order in the country gripped by post-election violence.

According to BBC, he offered condolences to victims of the protests and blamed those he called “irresponsible politicians” for the unrest.

He assured that peace and order would reign, saying it was pointless to plunge the country into crisis.

Biya also described the electoral process as satisfactory and praised the electoral body after allegations of fraud during last month’s election.

According to the official results, the nonagenarian won 54% of the vote, compared to the 35% of Issa Tchiroma Bakary.

DAILY POST reports that Tchiroma Bakary maintains he was the rightful winner of the poll and has accused the authorities of fraud, which they have denied.

The country’s National Human Rights Commission said he announcement of the result led to deadly protests across the country, which saw at least 14 people killed and more than 1,200 arrested.

In his swearing-in speech at the country’s parliament in the capital, Yaoundé, Biya congratulated the security forces for containing the protests but failed to address complaints of excessive use of force.

He insisted the election was now in the past, urging citizens to work with him on building a “united, stable, and prosperous” country.

The president promised to make issues affecting women and young people a priority, with a commitment to tackle corruption and security challenges that have marred his administration over the years.

DAILY POST reports that Biya first came into power in November 1982, after the resignation of President Ahmadou Ahidjo.