Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya has been sworn in for another seven years in office, following a fiercely disputed election last month.
Biya, the world’s oldest head of state, won 53.7% of the vote, according to official results, while his main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, secured 35.2%.
The election was marred by allegations of fraud, with Tchiroma Bakary claiming he was the rightful winner, and subsequent protests across the country resulted in at least four deaths.
Biya, who has been in power since 1982, addressed only one campaign rally before the election, and his victory has been met with skepticism by opposition parties and international observers.
The 92-year-old leader’s re-election is expected to further entrench his rule, which has been characterized by authoritarianism, corruption, and human rights abuses.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the country’s parliament in Yaoundé, amidst tight security.
Biya’s latest term is expected to last until 2032, when he will be nearly 100 years old. The international community has expressed concerns over the legitimacy of the election and the implications of Biya’s continued rule for Cameroon’s fragile democracy.
