Anicet Ekane, a 74-year-old left-wing opposition figure in Cameroon, died in state detention five weeks after his arrest. His death was announced by his lawyers and political party, the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (Manidem).
Background of Detention
Ekane was among the leaders of an opposition coalition that endorsed Issa Tchiroma Bakary during the October presidential election. The election was officially won by the 92-year-old incumbent, Paul Biya. Bakary has since relocated to The Gambia.
According to Ekane's lawyers, he faced accusations including hostility against the state, incitement to revolt, and calls for insurrection. Lawyer Hippolyte Meli stated that Ekane was not presented before a judge or formally charged with any offense during his detention, describing the custody as 'illegal'. He was arrested on October 24.
Circumstances of Death
No official cause of death has been publicly disclosed. Manidem party spokesmen stated Ekane died on a Monday morning at a military medical facility, following a reported decline in his health over the preceding weekend. They further indicated that Ekane's wife was presented with his body without prior explanation when she was called to the facility.
Defence ministry spokesman Capt Cyrille Serge Atonfack confirmed Ekane's death due to illness, specifying that the politician 'suffered from various chronic pathologies' and had been admitted to the Military Medical Centre of the National Gendarmerie. Atonfack added that Ekane had received medical care since his arrest.
Reactions and Investigation
Prior to his death, rumors regarding Ekane's status had circulated, prompting his party members to demand to see him. Following the confirmation of his death, supporters gathered at Manidem's headquarters in Douala. The party reported that security forces subsequently surrounded their premises.
Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding Ekane's death.