Old wine Paul Biya grows strong at 92
World's oldest President, Paul Biya of Cameroon. Courtesy photo
Paul Biya, at 92 years old, has been sworn in for an eighth term as President of Cameroon--reinforcing his status as the world’s oldest head of state and underscoring his remarkable grip on power.
On Thursday in Yaounde, Mr Biya took the oath of office following his reelection, in which he officially secured 53.66 % of the vote against his rival Issa Tchiroma Bakary’s 35.19 percent.
“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,” said Biya.
Observers say the vote signals continuity rather than change: Biya first came to power in 1982 and has ruled amid constitutional changes, conflict in English-speaking regions and growing frustration among youthful Cameroonians.
The election results stirred protests across the country, including in major cities such as Douala and Garoua, where security forces engaged with demonstrators alleging electoral fraud.
At least four deaths are confirmed amid the unrest.
Despite the street anger and calls for generational renewal, Biya remains firmly in control.
Analysts note that his victory reflects not only enduring party machinery but also weakened opposition cohesion.
For many Cameroonians though, the mood is mixed. A 40-year-old seamstress in Yaoundé told the press, “I’m tired of Biya’s rule and I no longer care whatever he does. … There are no roads, water, jobs.”
As Biya begins his new term with the same challenges he’s faced for decades--entrenched inequality, separatist violence, youth marginalisation--his capacity to steer the country forward will again be scrutinised.
Will the old wine still hold its flavour as the world watches a youthful continent demand change?
