Government Confirms Fake Presidential Decree, Says Suspect Detained
By Wilson Musa
YAOUNDE, Cameroon (Cameroon News Agency) — The Cameroon government has confirmed that a purported presidential decree appointing a vice president was fraudulent and announced that the individual who delivered the document to the Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) has been arrested and is under investigation.
In a government communiqué dated June 30 and signed by Communication Minister and Government Spokesperson René Emmanuel Sadi, authorities said an individual visited CRTV headquarters in Yaoundé in June carrying a sealed envelope containing what was presented as a presidential decree appointing a vice president.
The statement said the document appeared to bear the official seals of the Presidency and a signature attributed to President Paul Biya. However, vigilant CRTV officials did not broadcast the announcement after verifying that the decree had not been signed by the head of state.
The government said official acts, particularly presidential decrees, follow strict legal procedures and are released only through official channels coordinated by the Presidency. It added that a decree of such constitutional significance could not be made public through unofficial means.
Authorities said the suspect has been arrested and is in the custody of competent security services while investigations continue to determine the origin of the forged document and any possible accomplices.
The government also clarified that the individual involved is not an employee of the Presidency and was never authorized to carry out any official mission on its behalf.
The communiqué urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid speculation, emphasizing that decisions concerning appointments of such importance remain the sole prerogative of President Paul Biya.
