Cameroon’s Paul Biya, World’s Oldest Leader, Sworn in for New Term
(Bloomberg) -- Cameroonian President Paul Biya, who at 92 is the world’s oldest serving leader, was sworn in for an eighth term following his victory in last month’s disputed elections.
The inauguration ceremony was held in the National Assembly in the capital, Yaounde. Biya is set to rule the central African nation until the age of 99 if he serves out his current tenure.
“I will not relent my effort to continue to measure up to the confidence you have demonstrated in me, irrespective of the circumstances, difficulties, obstacles and challenges,” Biya said after taking his oath of office. “I fully understand the gravity of the situation confronting our country and the difficulties it faces and the depth of frustration, the height of expectations and the importance of the responsibility awaiting the president of the republic.”
A number of key challengers were barred from contesting the Oct. 12 election and the integrity of the contest was further compromised by allegations of voter harassment, the relocation of polling stations and inflated ballot tallies. The Constitutional Council declined to rule on petitions filed by the opposition and civil-rights groups to have the outcome invalidated.
The official results showed Biya garnered almost 54% support and his closest rival, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, 35%. At least four people were killed in clashes between the security forces and opposition supporters in post-election violence in Douala, the largest city, Agence France-Presse reported, citing the regional governor.
Biya said those politicians who called the protests were “irresponsible” and it was incumbent on them to build and modernize the country, rather than destroy it.
“It is my responsibility to ensure the prevailing of law and order in Cameroon,” he said.
Biya has ruled Cameroon for 43 years and most citizens, whose median age is 18, have never known another leader. His advanced age, sporadic public appearances and repeated trips to Switzerland for medical treatment, have sparked concerns about his health and raised questions about who would run the country should he die in office.
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(Updates with president’s comments starting in third paragraph.)
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