By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
President Paul Biya was sworn in for his eighth term on November 6, assuring Cameroonians that order will prevail and outlining a new term focused on youth employment and national unity.
The swearing-in ceremony, which took place at the Cameroon Lower House of the National Assembly, was presided over by the President of the National Assembly, Hon. Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, and attended by the nation’s high-ranking officials.
Speaking to Cameroonians, President Biya directly addressed the post-election instability, which he attributed to “the actions of some irresponsible politicians.” He condemned the “unprecedented scenes of looting and vandalism” that led to the destruction of property, attacks on security forces, and a tragic loss of human lives.
“It is my responsibility to ensure that order is maintained,” H.E. Paul Biya stated. “I can assure you that order will prevail. Cameroon will keep forging ahead.”
He praised the courage and professionalism of the Defence and Security Forces and extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. The President also issued a strong appeal to the sense of responsibility of all citizens, particularly singling out “some of our compatriots in the diaspora” who he accused of seeking to fuel hatred and violence. He warned that Cameroon cannot afford a devastating post-election crisis like those witnessed elsewhere.
Expressing his deepest gratitude to the people of Cameroon for their trust, President Biya pledged to remain worthy of their confidence. He warmly congratulated the electoral body, ELECAM, for successfully meeting the formidable challenge of organizing the election and commended the vast majority of Cameroonians for their commitment to peace.
Looking forward, the President declared that the time for electioneering is over, calling on all citizens to join him in a united front. “This country is our shared heritage,” he said. “Rather than destroying it, we have to build, strengthen and modernize it. We should end the hate speech flooding the public space, especially social media.”
A central theme of his speech was a renewed focus on the situation of young people and women. He announced that one of his main objectives is to promote greater youth and women empowerment and protection.
To this end, he has decided to reinstate the competitive entrance examinations for admission into higher teachers’ training colleges and resume doctoral studies in universities during the ongoing academic year.
He added that in the early months of his seven-year term, a special youth employment promotion plan will be established. This plan will provide administrative and tax facilities for private enterprises that commit to recruiting young people.
The government will also strengthen support for youths in designing and financing their projects through partnerships with local banks and international donors.
President Biya added that starting from the next financial year, a portion of the State’s investment budget will be allocated to labor-intensive projects benefiting youths nationwide, to be implemented in collaboration with regional and local authorities.
On security, the President acknowledged the ongoing challenges in the North-West, South-West, and Far North regions. While noting that government-led reconstruction efforts are paving the way for a gradual return to normalcy, he urged traditional rulers and community elites to engage more deeply in raising awareness among armed groups, encouraging them to lay down their arms and enter the DDR programme.
He extended gratitude to friendly countries that have begun pursuing the sponsors of these criminal acts and encouraged other international partners to follow suit. “Terrorism is a global scourge that must be combated vigorously wherever it shows its ugly face,” he said.
