Paul Biya, the President-elect of the Republic of Cameroon, has pledged to maintain order as he begins his eighth term in office.
Biya made the pronouncement during his swearing-in ceremony on November 6, held at the Cameroon Lower House of the National Assembly.
Re-elected President Biya took the oath of office in the presence of distinguished officials, officially inaugurating his new seven-year term at the Supreme Magistracy.
The ceremony was chaired by the Right Hon. Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament.
“It is my responsibility to ensure that order is maintained,” President Biya stated emphatically. “I can assure you that order will prevail. Cameroon will keep forging ahead.”
President Biya made the statement as he acknowledged and regretted the instability that reigned following the vote, which he said was “stemming from the actions of some irresponsible politicians.”
He recalled that unprecedented scenes of looting and vandalism were observed in several localities, leading to fire, destruction of public and private property, attacks on forces of law and order, and loss of human lives.
In the wake of these events, he praised the courage, dedication, and professionalism of the Defence and Security Forces who worked to restore calm.
“I also extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish those injured a swift recovery,” he said. “I am appealing to the sense of responsibility of each and everyone, especially those who seek to fuel hatred and violence in our country, particularly some of our compatriots in the diaspora.”
He indicated that Cameroon cannot afford a post-election crisis with potentially devastating consequences, as had been witnessed elsewhere in the world.
Gratitude and Renewal of Commitment
Reflecting on his recent re-election on October 12, Paul Biya expressed his deepest gratitude to the people of Cameroon, who had once again decided to honour him with their trust.
He noted that this trust has always been, and will undoubtedly continue to be, a valuable source of support to him during this new term of office.
“Let me say this most solemnly: I will spare no effort to continue to be worthy of this trust, whatever the circumstances, no matter the difficulties, obstacles and challenges,” he pledged.
He warmly congratulated the body in charge of elections, ELECAM, which he noted successfully met this formidable challenge in a context that was not always easy. He also commended the commitment of the vast majority of Cameroonians to peace and living together.
As he takes up his duties, President Biya said he fully fathoms the gravity of the situation the country is experiencing. Being aware of the numerous and severe challenges faced, he stated that he understands the depth of frustrations and the scale of expectations, as well as how great the responsibilities of the President of the Republic will be.
In that line, he renewed the commitment he has already made in the past, under similar circumstances: to remain faithful to the ideals that have guided him since his accession to the highest office.
“That of devoting myself entirely to the sacred mission that the Almighty God and the sovereign people of Cameroon have entrusted to me: to work tirelessly for the advent of a united, stable and prosperous Cameroon,” he stated.
“Today, as I begin a new term of office, by the will of God and of the sovereign people of Cameroon, I would like to reach out to each and every one of you. Together, we must lay the foundations for an even more promising future for our beloved and beautiful country, especially for our youth,” he added, underlining a central theme of his new mandate. “Even though we have accomplished a great deal, we still have so much to achieve, together, for ourselves, but also for future generations.”
He therefore appealed for a united front, calling on all Cameroonians to join him so that, “together, in peace and harmony, we can meet the daunting challenges facing our country.”
“I urge you all to take part in this worthy cause. Electioneering for the post of president is past and gone. It is now time to get together. This country is our shared heritage. It is our most precious asset. Rather than destroying it, we have to build, strengthen and modernise it. We should end the hate speech flooding the public space, especially social media,” he stressed, making a direct plea for social cohesion and responsible communication.
Focus on Youth, Women and Employment
Concerning his action throughout the upcoming seven-year term, President Biya stated that he will focus specifically on the situation of young people and women. He pointed out that one of his main objectives is to promote greater youth and women empowerment and protection.
He acknowledged that commendable efforts have been made in recent years to support young people, including the construction of numerous school and university facilities, the promotion of youth education, the professionalisation of teaching, and the creation of new job opportunities. He added that he will “intensify these efforts, ensuring that young people and women enjoy greater protection at school and at work, but also elsewhere, to ensure their self-fulfillment.”
To further support education and professional development, he announced his decision to reinstate the competitive entrance examinations for admission into the higher teachers’ training colleges, as well as the resumption of doctoral studies in universities during the ongoing academic year.
In the early months of his seven-year term, Paul Biya said he will put in place a special youth employment promotion plan. The main thrusts of this plan include the provision of administrative and tax facilities for private enterprises; in return, such enterprises will be expected to recruit young people.
He added that he will strengthen the support and guidance mechanisms for youths in the design, implementation, and financing of their projects. This will be carried out in partnership with local banks and international donors.
While promoting business development in sectors with high employment potential such as digital technology, mining, agriculture, and services, he stated that, starting from the next financial year, a portion of the State’s investment budget will be allocated to labour-intensive projects benefiting youths nationwide. “This will be implemented in collaboration with regional and local authorities and associations,” he specified.
“I am convinced that the success of this plan will be driven by the courage, ingenuity and creativity that our young compatriots so often demonstrate,” he affirmed.
Security, Reconstruction, and International Cooperation
Addressing the persistent security concerns, President Biya noted that the Northwest and Southwest Regions, as well as the Far North, have long been plagued by terrorist groups, some originating from neighbouring countries, sowing death and causing destruction.
Besides commending the armed forces, he stated that Government-led reconstruction efforts, supported by international partners, are already paving the way for a gradual return to normalcy.
While adding that these efforts will continue steadily, he urged traditional rulers, the elite, and the vital forces of the affected regions to engage more than ever before in raising awareness among members of the armed groups, encouraging them to accept the Government’s olive branch and lay down their arms.
He added that such community dialogue could be conducted in collaboration with administrative authorities to facilitate the reintegration of these wayward youths into their respective communities after going through the DDR (Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration) programme.
“Once again, I would like to caution the members of these armed groups who continue their criminal activities about the serious consequences of their obstinacy,” he warned.
He, however, extended his gratitude to the friendly countries that have begun pursuing and bringing to justice the sponsors of these criminal acts who are hiding within their territories. “I encourage those partners who have not yet taken action, to follow suit and confront these terrorists who, from their countries, continue to incite violence against our innocent people with impunity,” he said. “Terrorism is a global scourge that must be combated vigorously wherever it shows its ugly face.”
The President’s address served as both a formal entry into his new mandate and a call to action, setting a tone of stability, national unity, and focused development for the next seven years.
By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo