Cameroon’s already tense political environment has been thrown into deeper uncertainty following the death in custody of veteran opposition figure Anicet Ekane, a development that has shocked supporters and reignited debate over the government’s handling of dissent. Ekane, a long-time critic of the ruling administration and leader of the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM), died on Monday while being held by state security forces, according to his lawyer and family members.
Ekane, 74, had been arrested on October 24 after a wave of demonstrations broke out in response to the recent presidential election. He was an outspoken supporter of opposition presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who challenged the continued rule of President Paul Biya. Biya, now 92, has been in power since 1982 and is widely regarded as the world’s oldest serving head of state.
According to Ekane’s party and legal representatives, his arrest took place in Douala, Cameroon’s commercial hub, under circumstances they described as unlawful and violent. MANIDEM officials claimed he had been “kidnapped” by Cameroonian soldiers during the post-election unrest. Authorities, however, accused Ekane of committing serious crimes against the state, including hostility toward the government, encouraging revolt, and calling for insurrection. Ekane firmly denied the accusations through his legal team.
In the days following his detention, concerns about his health grew significantly. Ekane reportedly suffered from chronic medical conditions that required the use of an oxygen concentrator and other equipment. His lawyer, Ngouana Ulrich Juvenal, stated that when he was able to see Ekane just days before his death, the opposition figure was extremely weak and could barely speak. According to his party, Ekane’s medical devices were still locked inside his impounded vehicle at a military police station in Douala, inaccessible to him throughout his detention.
On November 21, MANIDEM issued a strongly worded statement accusing the commander of the military station of deliberately blocking all attempts by Ekane’s lawyers and family members to retrieve the critical equipment. The party described the situation as a “flagrant human rights violation” and went as far as to call it a “programmed killing,” suggesting that his death could have been prevented if he had received proper medical care. Ekane’s sister, Mariane Simon-Ekane, later confirmed his passing in a social media post, which quickly spread among activists, journalists, and political observers.
Ekane’s death has further aggravated an already volatile political climate. Following the announcement of President Biya’s re-election, protests erupted in several cities, with opposition supporters alleging electoral fraud, lack of transparency, and repression of dissenting voices. Security forces moved quickly to disperse the crowds, and rights groups reported that at least 48 civilians were killed during clashes between protesters and police.
Opposition parties and civil society organizations have responded angrily to news of Ekane’s death. Many have called for an independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his detention and treatment. Some groups are urging international bodies, including the African Union and the United Nations, to intervene and pressure the Cameroonian authorities to respect human rights, free political detainees, and allow peaceful political participation.
Ekane was not the only opposition figure taken into custody during the unrest. Florence Aimée Titcho, a member of MANIDEM, as well as several supporters of Issa Tchiroma Bakary, were also detained. Their arrests drew widespread condemnation from opposition coalitions, who described the actions as an attempt to silence critics of the government. Demands for their immediate and unconditional release have been growing both within and outside the country.
Meanwhile, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, whose presidential campaign gained noticeable momentum among young voters and reform-minded citizens, fled the country in the aftermath of the protests. He is currently in The Gambia, where authorities have said he is being hosted on humanitarian grounds. His departure has left many of his supporters feeling both worried and determined, unsure of what the future holds for the opposition movement in Cameroon.
As of now, the Cameroonian government has not issued an official statement responding to the allegations made by Ekane’s family or his party. Requests from international media organizations for comment have reportedly gone unanswered. This silence has only heightened suspicion among critics and added to growing international concern about the state of democracy and human rights in the Central African nation.
Ekane’s political journey spanned decades. He was known for his unwavering stance against corruption, authoritarianism, and foreign influence. While some viewed him as a controversial figure, others regarded him as a symbol of resilience in the face of repression. His death in detention is being seen by many as not just a personal tragedy but as a reflection of the broader struggle for political openness and accountability in Cameroon.
Source:Africa Publicity
