Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya has promised to restore order in the country gripped by post-election violence, as he was sworn in for an eighth consecutive term in office.
In his inaugural address, the world’s oldest president offered condolences to victims of the protests and blamed those he called “irresponsible politicians” for the unrest.
“I can assure you, order will reign,” he promised, saying it was pointless to plunge the country into crisis.
Following allegations of fraud during last month’s election, Biya described the electoral process as satisfactory and praised the electoral body Elecam.
The nonagenarian won 54% of the vote, compared to the 35% of Issa Tchiroma Bakary, according to the official results.
Tchiroma Bakary maintains he was the rightful winner of the poll and has accused the authorities of fraud, which they have denied.
The ann
ouncement of the result led to deadly protests across the country, which saw at least 14 people killed and more than 1,200 arrested, according to the National Human Rights Commission. Other institutions have presented a far higher death toll.
Credit: BBC
