By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The President-Elect, His Excellency Paul Biya, the incumbent President of the Republic of Cameroon who has been in power since 1982, is scheduled to take the oath of office on November 6.
This information was officially released on November 4 by the Minister, Director of the Civil Cabinet at the Presidency of the Republic, Samuel Mvondo Ayolo.
The swearing-in ceremony will take place at the Paul Biya Glass House (the National Assembly building in Yaoundé), as is tradition. The Upper and Lower House of the National Assembly will be in session.
The upcoming event will mark the official start of President Biya’s eighth term in office. This mandate follows his victory in the Presidential Election that took place on October 12.
The contested poll saw the long-serving leader face a field of eleven other candidates. The results of the election were a source of significant national tension.
Before the Constitutional Council officially declared Paul Biya as the winner, a close rival, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, had prematurely declared himself victorious, setting the stage for a contentious political aftermath.
Following the disputed election results, the country experienced post-election violence, including protests, destruction, and looting in several regions, tragically resulting in the killing of citizens.
These events underscore the deep political fault lines and public discontent surrounding the longevity of the current administration.
President Paul Biya’s continuous time in power dates back to 1982, making him one of the world’s longest-serving heads of state.
This new seven-year term further solidifies his decades-long control over the Central African nation’s political landscape.
