Cameroon: Biya Pledges Unity, Youth Empowerment as He Begins New Term

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

BUEA, Cameroon – President Paul Biya has pledged to devote his new seven-year term to building a “united, stable and prosperous Cameroon,” while promising renewed efforts to tackle unemployment, insecurity, and corruption.

The 92-year-old made the remarks on Thursday, November 6, shortly after taking the oath of office before members of Parliament and the Constitutional Council at the National Assembly, named after him, Paul Biya Glass House in Yaoundé.

In his inaugural address, President Biya expressed deep gratitude to Cameroonians for what he described as a renewed vote of confidence in his leadership following the October 12 presidential election, which he said was conducted “peacefully and responsibly.”

“I am grateful to you, Honourable Members of Parliament, for your warm welcome on this solemn occasion,” Biya said. “I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the people of Cameroon, who have once again decided to honour me with their trust… I will spare no effort to continue to be worthy of this trust.”

Call for Unity amid post-election violence.

President Biya acknowledged the country’s difficult socio-economic and security context, noting that he was “fully aware of the frustrations and the scale of expectations” among the population. He renewed his commitment to remain faithful to the ideals that have guided him since 1982, those of unity, stability, and development.

“This task is daunting, but not insurmountable,” Biya said. “Together, in peace and harmony, we can meet the challenges facing our country.”

President Biya called for national reconciliation following post-election unrest that erupted in parts of the country. He urged politicians and citizens to set aside their differences, warning against hate speech and divisive rhetoric, particularly on social media.

"The presidential election is over and done with. It is now time to come together. This country is our shared heritage. Rather than destroy it, we must build, strengthen, and modernise it," he declared.

The President condemned incidents of looting, vandalism, and violence reported after the vote, which resulted in loss of life and property. He praised the Defence and Security Forces for restoring order and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.

Focus on Youth and Women

Much of Biya’s speech focused on youth empowerment and women’s advancement, which he described as central to his new term’s agenda. He announced the resumption of doctoral studies and the reinstatement of entrance examinations for teacher training colleges, alongside a special youth employment promotion plan to be rolled out in the coming months.

The plan, according to President Biya, will include incentives for private enterprises to recruit young people, support for youth entrepreneurship, and funding for labour-intensive projects in partnership with local councils and associations.

“Trades and other activities that are particularly appealing to girls and women will receive greater state support, especially financial support,” he added.

Security, Governance and Reforms

On security, President Biya reaffirmed his government’s determination to restore lasting peace in the Northwest, Southwest, and Far North regions, commending the Defence and Security Forces for their continued efforts against armed groups and terrorism.

He urged traditional leaders and local elites to engage in community dialogue and encourage fighters to lay down their arms and join reintegration programs. “Terrorism is a global scourge that must be vigorously combated wherever it shows its ugly face,” Biya said, while thanking international partners who have begun pursuing sponsors of violence abroad.

President Biya announced plans to accelerate ongoing infrastructure projects in energy, roads, water supply, and public health, while intensifying the fight against corruption and adapting state institutions “to the demands of our environment.”

He also commended the national elections body, ELECAM, for what he described as the "successful organisation" of the recent polls, despite the difficult context. “Together, we must lay the foundations for an even more promising future for our beloved country, especially for our youth. We have accomplished much, but still have so much more to achieve, for ourselves, and for future generations,” President Biya said.