Paul Biya sworn in for eighth term after disputed Cameroon election sparks deadly protests

Cameroon’s 92-year-old president, Paul Biya, was sworn in for an eighth term after winning a disputed election that triggered deadly protests. Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary rejected the results, while international bodies condemned the government’s violent crackdown.

Paul Biya, who has served as president of Cameroon for an unprecedented 43 years, was officially sworn in on Thursday for an eighth term in office after a fiercely contested election that led to widespread unrest and violent demonstrations resulting in multiple deaths.

At 92 years old, Biya is currently the world’s oldest head of state, a status that underscores both his longevity in power and the deep divisions that characterize Cameroon's political landscape. According to official results released by the electoral commission, Biya won the October 12 presidential election with 53.7 percent of the votes, defeating his closest rival, former government minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who secured 35.2 percent.

The inauguration took place in parliament in the capital city, Yaoundé, before a gathering of political figures and state officials. Notably, no foreign leaders were present at the event, a reflection of the international community’s cautious stance toward the outcome of the election.

During his oath of office, Biya expressed gratitude for the renewed confidence placed in him and pledged to dedicate himself fully to the nation’s service. “I will spare no effort to continue to be worthy of this trust,” he stated solemnly, acknowledging both the challenges and expectations facing his administration. “I fully understand the gravity of the situation our country is going through. I understand the number and severity of the challenges we face and the depth of frustrations and the scale of expectations,” he added.

The election, which was one of the closest in recent history, saw a strong challenge from Tchiroma, a former ally of Biya who later became a leading opposition figure. His campaign struck a chord with younger voters eager for political change and economic reform. Despite the official results, Tchiroma has continued to insist that he was the rightful winner, claiming that the election was marred by irregularities and manipulation.

In the days leading up to and following the announcement of Biya’s victory on October 27, tensions erupted across several cities. Security forces moved swiftly to disperse opposition rallies, leading to violent confrontations in which several demonstrators reportedly lost their lives.

In protest, Tchiroma called on his supporters to participate in what he described as “dead city” operations — a form of civil disobedience aimed at shutting down public life by closing shops and suspending commercial and social activities. The call met with mixed reactions. In the cities of Garoua and Douala, the shutdown was widely observed, with streets largely deserted and businesses shuttered. However, in Yaoundé, daily life appeared mostly unaffected as shops remained open, students attended school, and public employees reported to work.

After the results were declared, Tchiroma was confined to his home in Garoua under what opposition supporters described as an informal house arrest. Despite these restrictions, one of his spokespeople told AFP on Tuesday that Tchiroma was now “on the move,” suggesting he may have evaded some of the constraints placed upon him.

The government, meanwhile, has signaled its intent to take legal action against the opposition leader, accusing him of making “repeated calls for insurrection” and inciting unrest. Officials have acknowledged that there were fatalities during the protests but have refrained from providing an official death toll.

The international community has reacted with concern. Both the European Union and the African Union have strongly condemned the use of excessive force against demonstrators, urging the Cameroonian authorities to respect the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and expression. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has also called for an independent and transparent investigation into the violence surrounding the election.

Paul Biya’s continued rule marks yet another chapter in the political history of Cameroon, a country he has led since 1982. He remains only the second person to head the nation since it gained independence from France in 1960, and his extended tenure continues to provoke debate about democracy, leadership, and the future direction of the central African state.