Paul Biya inaugurated as Cameroon’s president for 7th term

Cameroon on Tuesday inaugurated President Paul Biya, Africa’s oldest leader, for his seventh term in office amid rising separatist troubles. 

The 85-year-old, who has been in power since 1982, was sworn in as unrest reigned in the country.

Biya asked all fighters to drop their guns, threatening further military action. He said he would work to be sure peace returns to Cameroon.

Opposition parties have demonstrated against Biya’s re-election, and violence has increased in the North West and South West regions, where armed separatists are fighting for an independent state.

Cameroon also faces the threat from Boko Haram extremists crossing the border from Nigeria.

Biya’s inauguration comes days after 79 pupils and three staff members were abducted from a school near the northwestern regional capital Bamenda.