A man was incarcerated in Yaoundé this week after attempting to present what he claimed were authentic presidential decrees to the national broadcaster. According to witnesses at the scene, the documents appeared convincingly genuine at first glance.

One of the supposed decrees, allegedly signed by President Paul Biya, named Johann Adriel Sitchom Kuate as Vice President of Cameroon. As is customary for such high-level appointments, the decree was expected to be read on air to inform the public.

Staff at the Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) grew suspicious of the unusual documents and immediately notified top state officials, including President Biya, who was attending an international conference in Geneva at the time. Investigations confirmed the documents were counterfeit, with authorities noting that the name on the decree matched that of the man who presented them.

The incident raises pressing questions: was this an isolated act of delusion or part of a meticulously planned scheme to destabilize state institutions? Whatever the motive, authorities have formally charged Johann Adriel Sitchom Kuate with attempting to undermine national security—a charge he will now face in court.