Cameroon’s opposition leader Anicet Ekane, 74, died Monday while in detention, his lawyer confirmed to reporters. Ekane had been held at the gendarmerie premises since October 24, arrested on charges of insurrection amid post-election unrest.
Lawyer Emmanuel Simh claimed Ekane was “critically sick” but denied adequate medical care during his incarceration, raising concerns of mistreatment. Ekane’s party labelled his death a “deliberate killing, state crime” on social media, accusing authorities of intentional negligence.
The Defense Ministry countered that Ekane suffered chronic illnesses and received proper care at the National Gendarmerie Military Medical Center. An official investigation was launched to determine the precise circumstances surrounding Ekane’s death, the ministry added in a statement.
Ekane led the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM) and supported opposition presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary. Tchiroma presented a strong challenge to President Paul Biya, 92, in the October 12 election, which Biya was declared to have won.
Protests erupted nationwide, particularly in Douala and Yaounde, over alleged election fraud, leaving at least five people dead. Following rising tensions, Tchiroma sought refuge in Gambia, citing safety concerns, highlighting ongoing political instability in Cameroon.
The European Union Delegation in Cameroon acknowledged the defense ministry’s announcement and stressed the need for justice and detainee safety. The EU reiterated calls for the release of all arbitrarily detained individuals since the presidential election, urging respect for human rights. Human Rights Watch recently reviewed lists from opposition lawyers detailing 312 people detained after the protests, underscoring continued repression.
