Julius Bio sworn in after winning Sierra Leone presidential run-off

Julius Maada Bio (L) takes the oath of office as new president of Sierra Leone on April 4, 2018 in Freetown, Sierra Leone. AFP PHOTO | SAIDU BAH

Sierra Leone's opposition challenger Julius Maada Bio secured his first term in office as a civilian Wednesday when he was declared the winner of a controversial presidential run-off — but his opponent vowed to contest the result.

Bio, a former soldier who briefly led a military junta more than two decades ago, won 51.81 per cent of ballots in last month's election, according to official results.