Cameroon man arrested for presenting fake 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 official documents. Witnesses described the papers as remarkably convincing in their appearance. Among them was a decree purportedly signed by President Paul Biya, appointing a vice president of the Republic.

As is customary for such decrees, the text was expected to be read on air for public dissemination. However, staff at the broadcaster, sensing something amiss, immediately notified top state officials. President Biya, who had been in Geneva since June 7, confirmed the documents were fraudulent. The name listed on the decree matched that of Johann Adriel Sitchom Kuate himself.

Was this an isolated act of delusion or part of a meticulously planned scheme, possibly aimed at what some termed an institutional coup? Authorities have since launched an investigation, leading to charges of attempted assault on state security. Johann Adriel Sitchom Kuate now faces these allegations in court.