The death of left-wing Cameroonian opposition figure Anicet Ekane has sent shockwaves through the nation after authorities announced he died while in detention, five weeks post-arrest.
At 74 years old, Ekane was a key member of an opposition coalition supporting Issa Tchiroma Bakary during the October presidential election. Tchiroma has since fled to The Gambia after claiming he was the rightful winner against the incumbent, 92-year-old Paul Biya.
Details surrounding Ekane's demise remain murky; his party has accused authorities of failing to provide access to necessary medications, a claim the government disputes.
Reports state that Ekane died early Monday at a military medical facility, where he had been interned due to underlying health issues exacerbated by incarceration.
His lawyer, Hippolyte Meli, condemned the legal process surrounding Ekane’s detention, labeling it illegal as he was never formally charged. Supporters have gathered in grief at the party’s headquarters, echoing calls for accountability regarding Ekane's treatment in custody.
In response to growing public discontent, security forces have surrounded the party’s premises, highlighting the tense political atmosphere in Cameroon following the controversial election.
Authorities have promised an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, while Ekane's opposition party demands transparency and justice.
