Anicet Ekane, Cameroon's opposition leader, dies while in military custody

Cameroon mourns the loss of Anicet Ekane, a prominent opposition figure, who passed away while in military detention, according to his family and legal representatives. The 74-year-old Ekane died Monday morning in Yaound, the nations capital, 38 days after being detained in Douala, the port city, reports RFI, Frances public radio.

Ekanes death has ignited widespread anger and threatens to intensify the political unrest that followed Octobers disputed presidential election, which saw 92-year-old Paul Biya secure another term after over four decades in power.

Leader of the left-leaning African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM), Ekane was arrested on October 24 after publicly supporting Biyas rival, Issa Tchiroma Bakary. Tchiroma has rejected the official election outcome and maintains he won the vote. Authorities accused Ekane of insurrection and rebellion, charges his party described as politically motivated.

Muna Ekane, his eldest son, told the Associated Press that his fathers health worsened dramatically over the past week, with severe respiratory difficulties leaving him struggling to breathe. For a week, he had trouble breathing; he was suffocating, Muna said, adding that the family repeatedly alerted officials, but nothing was done.

Ekanes lawyer, Emmanuel Simh, stated that his client was ill but denied proper medical treatment. We remain in shock and grief, Simh said. Ekane committed no crime, so we must understand why he was arrested and neglected.

On Sunday, Ekanes party had issued an urgent appeal demanding his immediate transfer to a civilian hospital, warning the government would be held responsible for any consequences. In response, Cameroons authorities claimed Ekane was treated by military doctors working with his personal physicians and confirmed an investigation had begun. Communication Minister Rene Emmanuel Sadi expressed regret, and President Biya ordered a probe into the circumstances of his death.

Despite these assurances, Ekanes party called his death murder, while the European Union delegation expressed deep sadness and reiterated calls for the release of all individuals detained arbitrarily since the election.

Ekane dedicated almost fifty years to political activism and became a leading figure in the early 1990s push for multiparty democracy. His supporters considered him a political heir to Cameroons nationalist heroes, although he witnessed the execution of independence fighter Ernest Ouandie. Throughout his life, Ekane remained a steadfast advocate for social justice.

The opposition leaders death occurs amid ongoing disputes over post-election repression. While the government claims 16 people died in protests following Biyas declared victory, opposition groups and human rights organizations estimate the number exceeds 55. The candidate Ekane supported, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, fled to The Gambia last month.

Analysis: The Death of Anicet Ekane and Its Political Implications

The death of Anicet Ekane, a prominent opposition figure in Cameroon, while in military detention, has raised serious questions about the country's political climate and the treatment of opposition leaders. His passing, just over a month after his arrest, has triggered widespread outrage and intensified the already volatile political situation in Cameroon. Ekane’s family, party, and legal representatives have all expressed disbelief at the circumstances surrounding his detention and death, arguing that the 74-year-old opposition leader was denied the necessary medical care during his imprisonment.

Despite the Cameroonian government’s claims that Ekane received medical attention from both military doctors and his personal physicians, the situation remains suspicious. His family and legal team assert that his health deteriorated rapidly, with severe respiratory issues over the past week, leading to his eventual death. This raises significant concerns about the government’s responsibility in the treatment of detainees, especially those with known health conditions.

The timing of Ekane’s death is also crucial. It follows the controversial October presidential elections, which saw 92-year-old President Paul Biya secure another term in power, despite widespread claims of electoral fraud and discontent from opposition groups. Ekane had been vocal in supporting Biya's rival, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, whose rejection of the official election results has further polarized the country. This suggests that Ekane’s detention and subsequent death may be politically motivated, aimed at stifling opposition voices in the aftermath of the election.

Ekane’s long history of political activism and his role in pushing for multiparty democracy in Cameroon made him a prominent figure in the nation’s fight for social justice. His death marks the loss of a leader who was viewed by many as a symbol of resistance against an increasingly autocratic regime. His party has already labeled his death as “murder,” and the European Union has expressed its concerns, calling for the immediate release of all individuals detained arbitrarily following the election.

Ultimately, Ekane’s death serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing repression in Cameroon. Whether the government's investigation into his death leads to meaningful accountability or is simply another attempt to placate international criticism remains to be seen. For now, the country remains on edge, with further unrest and protests likely as the population seeks answers and justice for the loss of a key political figure.

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• Cameroon’s opposition leader Anicet Ekane dies in military detention