July 7, 2026

The African Tribune

Bold, independent reporting on Africa's most important stories, in English, every day.

Unveiling Cameroon’s fake decree scandal: the Baboke affair

Cameroon is currently grappling with a significant political controversy surrounding falsified presidential decrees, widely referred to as the Baboke affair. This intricate plot has sent ripples through the nation’s administrative circles, raising serious questions about the integrity of official communications and broader African governance.

At the heart of this scandal is the arrest of Johann Sitchom. He was apprehended after allegedly attempting to broadcast documents, deceptively presented as legitimate presidential decrees, through the national broadcaster, CRTV. This audacious attempt to disseminate fraudulent official directives underscores the gravity of the situation and the sophisticated nature of the deception involved, impacting Cameroon’s current affairs.

The unfolding events of the Baboke affair have naturally drawn attention to key figures within the Cameroonian government. Names such as Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh and Samuel Mvondo Ayolo, prominent members of the presidential administration, are frequently mentioned in connection with discussions surrounding this high-stakes investigation. The implications of such a fake decree scheme could potentially reach the highest echelons of power, impacting President Paul Biya’s administration and highlighting critical challenges in African current affairs.

Johann Sitchom a été arrêté après avoir tenté de faire diffuser à la CRTV des documents présentés comme des décrets présidentiels.