Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya has been sworn in for an eighth term, pledging to restore calm after violent protests over disputed election results.

In his inaugural address in Yaoundé, Biya offered condolences to victims and blamed “irresponsible politicians” for the unrest, promising that “order will reign.” He defended the election as fair and praised the electoral body Elecam, despite opposition claims of fraud.

Official results gave Biya 54% of the vote against 35% for his rival, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who insists he was the rightful winner. Protests following the announcement left at least 14 people dead and over 1,200 arrested, according to the National Human Rights Commission.

Biya thanked security forces for quelling the demonstrations but did not address allegations of excessive force. He urged citizens to move on and work toward a “united, stable, and prosperous” Cameroon, while vowing to prioritize youth, women, and anti-corruption efforts.

Bakary called for international sanctions against officials and led strikes in his strongholds, refusing to concede defeat. The Constitutional Council dismissed eight election complaints for lack of evidence.

Biya, in power since 1982, remains one of the world’s longest-ruling leaders.