A Cameroonian man has been remanded in prison after attempting to broadcast a forged presidential decree that would have appointed him vice-president.
Johann Sitchom was imprisoned on August 11 and faces charges of attempting to undermine state security “with the complicity of foreign powers”. The episode dates back to June 12, when Sitchom reportedly arrived at the headquarters of state broadcaster CRTV in Yaoundé carrying documents he described as highly important.
According to witnesses, the papers appeared authentic, including a decree purporting to be signed by President Biya appointing a vice-president of the republic. Such decrees are normally read on air, but CRTV staff grew suspicious and alerted senior officials, who confirmed the document was forged and named himself as the purported vice-president. A second document allegedly outlined a government reshuffle, further suggesting an attempt to create the appearance of an official presidential act.
He has since been transferred to Yaoundé’s Kondengui Central Prison as investigators seek to establish who, if anyone, may have backed or encouraged the scheme.
The case comes amid heightened sensitivity over the recently restored vice-presidency, a post that remains vacant and could become crucial in the event of Biya’s death, resignation or incapacitation. In April, Cameroon’s parliament approved a constitutional amendment reintroducing the vice-president role, replacing the previous system in which the president of the Senate would take over in a vacancy.
Under the new law, the vice-president is appointed and dismissed solely by the president and automatically assumes the presidency for the remainder of the seven‑year term if the head of state dies, resigns or is permanently incapacitated. The interim leader is barred from initiating constitutional changes or running in the next election, a design intended to ensure continuity while limiting ambitions to reshape the system during a transition.
The alleged forgery attempt unfolded against a backdrop of growing debate over Biya’s prolonged stay abroad. The 93‑year‑old leader, in power since 1982, has been in Switzerland since June 7, fueling rumors about his health and calls from some opposition figures for the Constitutional Council to consider whether the presidency should be declared vacant.
The ruling CPDM party has similarly rejected claims of a power vacuum, arguing that no law limits the time a president may spend abroad and that Biya remains in control of key files.
