Cameroon arrests suspect over forged presidential decree as President Biya remains missing

Cameroon’s government announced that a suspect was arrested after delivering a sealed envelope to the headquarters of the Cameroonian Radio and Television Corporation (CRTV) containing a forged presidential decree. The document, bearing presidential seals and a signature attributed to President Paul Biya, purported to create a vice‑president position and announced a broad cabinet reshuffle. Internal verification prevented the fake decree from being broadcast, and authorities opened a criminal investigation, stating the individual has no authorization to act on the president’s behalf.

The incident occurs while President Paul Biya has been absent from Cameroon for more than 30 days after departing on a private trip to Europe. No official information on his whereabouts or health has been provided, prompting speculation about a power vacuum and the political significance of the forged document. Government officials urged citizens to rely on official communications as the investigation proceeds.