- President Biya last Thursday November 6, took the oath of office for the ninth time, to Kickstart his eighth mandate at the helm of the State
- Biya used the swearing-in ceremony which coincided with his ascension to power, make new-old unfulfilled promises
By Nchendzengang Tatah
Paul Biya, 92, Cameroon’s Head of State since 1982, has renewed his mandate for the eighth time with the ninth swearing-in. He took the oath of office in a highly attended and mediatised ceremony at the deliberative chambers of the National Assembly in Yaounde.
The swearing-in ritual was coordinated by the House Speaker Cavayé Yéguié Djibril in the presence of Members of the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament, the Judiciary and members of government headed by the Prime Minister, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute.
Paul Biya was sworn in on November 6, 2025, for another seven-year term. Remaking history—he took his first oath of office on November 6, 1982, following the resignation of Amadou Ahidjo. He, therefore, is no stranger to the exercise. Biya, however, was stepping into the new parliamentary building named after him for the very first time since its inauguration on 30th November, 2024.
Fresh promises
Nonetheless, the nonagenarian head of state, who outlived his longest rival, John Fru Ndi, to become one of the longest-serving non-monarch heads of state in modern history, had a bag of fresh promises he hoped to deliver on in the next seven years as outlined in his inaugural address.
Paul Biya began by extending gratitude to the Cameroon people, whom he praised for trusting him with another mandate. He went on to reiterate his commitment to deliver based on the confidence which had been renewed in him, notwithstanding the imminent challenges he was to face. Biya admitted being well aware of the pertinent issues which were making life difficult for Cameroonians. The burden to drive the state craft to safer shores, he said, was the core responsibility for the role he was once again signing up to assume.
Furthermore, Biya sustained his commitment to the ordeals of his leadership borne by the principles of vigour and moralisation. The sacred task to serve the Cameroon people was to be for him a duty in building a united, stable and prosperous nation.
Gratitude was established for all those who had, in several ways, helped Cameroon in its journey to emergence. Biya was conscious of the diaspora with whose sustainable partnership the country had counted several gains. In the same light, he was appreciative of the youth who were the drivers of the economic plans. The new mandate, he said, was to be marked by a synergy between the youth to make a great future for generations to come. The youth had to take their place like everyone else to protect and promote the nation, which is the common patrimony of all citizens. Biya rebuked calls for violence and destruction carried out, most especially, on social media.
The youth and women are to be at the centre of Biya’s agenda for the next seven years. He stated in categorical terms that the rights and privileges of the youth and women were to be protected and upheld.
Over the years, youth have been empowered through the creation of schools and universities across the country, promotion of scholarships and the professionalisation of education, accompanied by the provision of opportunities. These and more were to remain Biya’s dedication. Moreover, he used the opportunity to announce the government’s intention to finance projects by the youth, which will significantly improve their fate.
It was at this juncture that Biya informed the national and international community of plans to relaunch PhD studies in the Cameroon state universities. This, he hoped, would offer more opportunities for the youth. It will be done alongside the organisation of entrance exams into ENS.
Cameroonians will have to watch out for investment projects which were announced to cut across the national territory in the areas of energy, agriculture, road infrastructure and public health. Additionally, the fight against corruption will be strengthened while reforms geared towards making the state machinery more functional will be enforced in cognisance of the peculiarities of the Cameroon context.
Fight against insecurity
Biya found the security preoccupations to be readily responded to with appropriate measures in order to curb terrorism and its fallout. Notably in the North West, South West and Far North, which have undergone untold suffering and destruction for several years, he underscored the government’s determination for a return to peace, stability and order.
The military, he noted, had proven bravery and professionalism in attaining results alongside the efforts of the collaborative populations. He addressed an appeal to the chiefs, other living forces, to promote sensitisation to the armed civilians who continue to pose threats to general welfare. Biya did not fail to salute the input of partners to ensure the rehabilitation of these crisis-hit communities. Overall, he appealed for peace, national unity and reconciliation at the basic level
Paul Biya okayed the process which saw his re-election. Praising the work of ELECAM, which he believed had effectively coordinated the desires of citizens throughout the pivotal activity.
As the nation held its breath for Biya’s ninth swearing-in, it was clear that nothing could stop him. An earlier protest against election irregularities, which resulted in the death of many, was inconsequential. Not even Issa Tchiroma — Biya’s former ally and the most popular opposition candidate in the elections, could still the moment. Tchiroma is reported to have escaped last week to neighbouring Nigeria after alleged threats to his life.
The politician had promised hard days for the Biya regime after what he felt was their claim on a stolen victory. Tchiroma had announced a nationwide lockdown from November 3-5, which was respected in several areas across the territory. Cameroon has, since the October 12 polls, remained fragile as agitations abound. Yet, Biya’s seven-year mandate has just begun.
