Cameroon’s long-time leader, Paul Biya, has been sworn in for an eighth term as president following a disputed election that sparked violent protests across the country.
Biya, 92, took the oath of office on Thursday in Yaoundé, vowing to restore order and accusing "irresponsible politicians" and the diaspora of stoking unrest.
"As I take office, I fully measure the seriousness of the situation our country is going through. I measure the number and severity of challenges we face. I measure the depth of frustrations, the scale of expectations," Biya said, dressed in a dark suit during the ceremony.
The veteran leader’s victory, announced last week, gave him 53.66 per cent of the vote against 35.19 per cent for opposition contender Issa Tchiroma Bakary, according to official figures.
The result extends Biya’s rule, which began in 1982, and could keep him in power until nearly 100.
Tchiroma rejected the outcome, declaring himself the rightful winner shortly after the October 12 election.
His supporters took to the streets in protest as early tallies showed Biya in the lead.
According to reports, security forces killed at least 48 civilians during the ensuing demonstrations.
The government has not commented on the figures nor provided its own casualty estimates.
Tchiroma, a former government spokesperson who resigned from cabinet in June, claimed last week that loyal soldiers had escorted him to a secure location, hinting at possible divisions within the military.
However, he offered no details on the size or structure of the group.
Biya, one of the world’s longest-serving and oldest leaders, now faces mounting pressure to stabilise the central African nation amid deep political rifts and growing calls for change.
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