MWE Correspondent
A prominent Cameroonian opposition figure, Anicet Ekane, has died while in military custody in Yaoundé, the nation’s capital, his family and legal team confirmed on Monday.
Ekane, aged 74, had been arrested on 24 October in Douala and held at the Ministry of Defense’s Secretariat since then, amid a broader crackdown on political dissent.
Ekane, leader of the opposition party MANIDEM (African Movement for New Independence and Democracy), was a long-standing advocate for democracy and civil rights in Cameroon. His arrest followed months of political tensions, and his detention sparked concern among human rights groups both nationally and internationally.
According to his lawyers, Ekane’s health deteriorated sharply during his confinement. Family members reported that he suffered from severe respiratory issues and was denied access to adequate medical care. “He struggled to breathe for several days and was in urgent need of treatment,” his eldest son said. Legal representatives insist he should have been transferred to a civilian hospital for proper care.
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Government officials confirmed Ekane’s death and stated that it was due to illness. Authorities also indicated that an investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding his passing. Nevertheless, civil society organizations and opposition figures have raised serious concerns about the treatment he received while in custody, calling for transparency and accountability.
Ekane’s passing has sent shockwaves across Cameroon, heightening fears over political repression and raising questions about the government’s commitment to human rights.
His decades-long political career was marked by persistent advocacy for multiparty democracy, social justice, and political reforms, earning him respect among supporters and attention from the international community.
Observers warn that Ekane’s death could exacerbate tensions in an already volatile political landscape, underscoring the risks faced by opposition leaders in Cameroon.
