Cameroon: man arrested for presenting forged decrees to national broadcaster

On June 12, 2026, Johann Adriel Sitchom Kuate arrived at the national radio headquarters in Yaoundé’s Nlongkak district, claiming to carry critical government documents. Witnesses reported that the papers appeared legitimate at first glance, including what appeared to be a presidential decree appointing a vice president of the Republic.

As is customary for such announcements, the decree was expected to be read on air for public awareness. However, CRTV staff, sensing irregularities, immediately notified senior state officials, including those accompanying President Paul Biya during his visit to Geneva since June 7. A forensic review swiftly confirmed the document’s falsified nature, particularly since the name listed on the fake decree matched Johann Adriel Sitchom Kuate’s.

Was this an isolated act of delusion or part of a calculated scheme to destabilize institutions, as some suggest? The subsequent investigation led to charges of attempting to undermine state security—a serious accusation that Johann Adriel Sitchom Kuate now faces in court.