Overview
- Paul Biya took the oath of office at Cameroon’s parliament in Yaounde, where residents described a heavily militarized and partially deserted capital.
- Official results gave Biya 53.66% of the vote to Issa Tchiroma Bakary’s 35.19%, a certification the opposition rejects as illegitimate.
- Tchiroma insists he won, urges protests and "dead city" actions, and faces planned legal proceedings for what authorities call repeated calls for insurrection.
- Post-election unrest turned deadly, with the government confirming at least five deaths as Reuters cited two U.N. sources reporting 48 civilians killed by security forces; officials have not issued a comprehensive toll.
- In his speech, Biya pledged to restore order, acknowledged widespread frustrations and challenges, and blamed irresponsible politicians and diaspora voices for inciting unrest.