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Cameroon opposition leader Anicet Ekane dies in military detention at 74
Anicet Ekane, a prominent left-wing opposition figure in Cameroon, died Monday in a military medical facility five weeks after his arrest, his lawyers and political party confirmed. The 74-year-old was a key leader in the opposition coalition that backed Issa Tchiroma Bakary in October's disputed presidential election, which was officially won by long-serving incumbent Paul Biya.
Cause of death disputed amid allegations of medical neglect
A spokesman for Ekane's African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (Manidem) party stated that his health had deteriorated over the weekend before his death. "We have no clarification... His wife was called to the facility, only to be presented with his corpse," the spokesman said, adding that the family later transferred the body to a mortuary.
Cameroon's defense ministry acknowledged Ekane's death, attributing it to "various chronic pathologies," but provided no further details. Spokesman Capt. Cyrille Serge Atonfack claimed Ekane had received "proper care" from doctors since his arrest on October 24. Government spokesperson René Emmanuel Sadi later reiterated these claims, stating that an investigation into the circumstances of Ekane's death had been launched.
Opposition alleges illegal detention and denial of medical care
Ekane's party accused authorities of denying him access to his medication-a charge the government has denied. Anti-corruption lawyer Akere Muna, a close associate, described Ekane's death as "the extinguishing of a fierce and passionate flame" for democracy, questioning why his failing health had not prompted his release. "Basic humanity and the presumption of innocence should have compelled his return to family care," Muna said in a statement.
Lawyers for Ekane revealed he was detained on charges of "hostility against the state," "incitement to revolt," and "calls for insurrection," though he was never formally charged or brought before a judge. "His detention was illegal," asserted attorney Hippolyte Meli, who shared the details on social media. In recent weeks, rumors of Ekane's death had circulated, prompting party members to demand proof of his condition, "dead or alive."
Political backdrop: A contested election and violent crackdown
Ekane initially supported opposition leader Maurice Kamto, whose candidacy was rejected by electoral authorities over allegations of dual endorsements. Ekane and allies then formed the Union for Change Coalition, nominating Tchiroma Bakary as their candidate. Bakary, who contested the official results declaring Biya's victory, fled to The Gambia after the vote.
The election was marred by violence, with the UN reporting at least 48 deaths during protests, including fatalities near Bakary's residence in Garoua. Bakary alleged that snipers had targeted demonstrators "at point-blank range," a claim the government denied.
Public outrage and security crackdown
Ekane's death has triggered widespread grief and anger. Supporters gathered at Manidem's headquarters in Douala to mourn, while others expressed outrage online. The party reported that security forces had surrounded its premises, raising tensions further.
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