Cameroon: Fake Presidential Decrees Nearly Caused Institutional Crisis

Journalist Polycarpe Essomba, working for Radio France Internationale, has revealed an incident that nearly plunged Cameroon into an institutional crisis. A week prior, an individual presented a document at the CRTV (Cameroon Radio Television) claiming it was of utmost importance and originated from the presidency. The individual insisted the document be read during the 17:00 news broadcast. In the absence of CRTV's director, Charles NDONGO, a senior staff member named Aimé Robert BIHINA handled the document. The sealed envelope contained what appeared to be authentic presidential decrees, complete with official seals and the Head of State's signature. These decrees purportedly announced the appointment of a Vice-President and a new government team. Despite the document's convincing appearance, BIHINA, an experienced journalist, harbored doubts and consulted his superiors. This caution was shared by Charles NDONGO, who subsequently contacted Geneva. The document, which claimed to be from the Civil Cabinet, was ultimately identified as an elaborate fake. The individual who presented the fake decrees has since been arrested and is under investigation. Essomba questioned the potential chaos and institutional disruption that would have ensued had the fake decrees been broadcast, suggesting it might have been a covert coup attempt.