Unity Palace: Oswald Baboke,Questioned in Two High-Profile Investigations
By Wilson Musa
YAOUNDE, Cameroon (Cameroon News Agency) — Oswald Baboke, deputy director of the Civil Cabinet at the Presidency of the Republic, has been questioned by investigators at the Special Criminal Court (TCS) as part of two separate investigations ordered by President Paul Biya, according to Jeune Afrique.
The magazine reported that Baboke was first interviewed on June 26 and was expected to return for further questioning on June 30 and July 1.
According to Jeune Afrique, one investigation concerns suspected irregularities in Cameroon’s gold sector, while the second relates to an alleged attempt to use a forged presidential decree announcing the appointment of a vice president.
The forged decree was reportedly presented to the Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) on June 12 by an unidentified individual carrying a document bearing the presidential seal. The document was later verified by CRTV Director General Charles Ndongo with Civil Cabinet Director Samuel Mvondo Ayolo, who determined that it was fraudulent because it had not been signed by President Biya.
Citing sources close to the investigation, Jeune Afrique reported that the official seals on the document were authentic and that the signature resembled that of the president. Investigators are seeking to determine how the document was produced, who was responsible, and whether others were involved.
The report said intelligence sources alleged that the individuals who delivered the decree arrived with an escort that included people presented as military officials in civilian clothing before leaving after the alleged scheme failed. One suspect is reportedly being questioned at the Secretariat of State for Defense (SED).
According to Jeune Afrique, an intelligence note submitted to the presidency described the incident as an attempted coup. The investigation has reportedly been assigned to the Presidential Security Directorate and is being monitored by Secretary-General of the Presidency Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh. Authorities are expected to conduct forensic examinations of the document, including fingerprint analysis, to establish its origin.
The magazine also reported that intelligence gathered during the investigation supports the theory of an attempt to destabilize state institutions. It added that a similar alleged plot had previously been foiled before a planned presidential trip following intervention by Samuel Mvondo Ayolo.
Baboke’s questioning also forms part of an investigation into alleged irregularities in the country’s gold industry.
According to figures cited by Jeune Afrique from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), Cameroon officially declared exports of only 22 kilograms of gold in 2023, while nearly 15 metric tons of gold reportedly originating from Cameroon were recorded in Dubai during the same period.
The report added that between 2021 and 2025, Cameroon allegedly produced 44 metric tons of gold, while officially declared exports amounted to approximately 148 kilograms. Those discrepancies reportedly prompted President Biya to order an investigation into possible illegal gold mining, mining permit allocations and export networks.
Jeune Afrique reported that Baboke’s name, along with those of several associates, including his daughter Indira Baboke, has frequently appeared in public allegations concerning the sector. The publication said investigators questioned him as part of verification efforts, although he has denied any involvement in illegal activities.
People close to Baboke rejected suggestions of wrongdoing, arguing that he had been unfairly implicated. According to Jeune Afrique, sources familiar with the investigation said Baboke is not the only senior official expected to be questioned, adding that other prominent figures, including individuals close to the presidential family, may also be interviewed as the investigations continue.
Source: Jeune Afrique magazine.
