Cameroon Opposition Leader Dies in Custody

Veteran opposition leader Anicet Ekane has died while in detention, his family and party announced early Monday. Ekane, 74, was being held at the state’s defence facility after his arrest weeks ago, and was reportedly transferred to hospital shortly before his death.

He was arrested on October 24 alongside other members of the opposition party African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM) following his public backing of rival candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary who challenged the outcome of the October 12 presidential election that extended the long-time rule of Paul Biya. Authorities charged them with insurrection.

Family members and legal representatives say Ekane’s health deteriorated rapidly while in detention. He reportedly suffered severe breathing difficulties and lacked access to vital medical equipment including an oxygen concentrator seized by security forces during his arrest.

According to his lawyer, the detention conditions were “stressful and unsuitable for a sick man,” and formal pleas for a hospital transfer or medical evacuation went unanswered.

The official account from the Ministry of Defence states that Ekane died “following an illness” and that he had received medical care now prompting an official investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Supporters and human-rights observers have reacted sharply describing the death as a potential “murder” and warning that it underscores systemic neglect and violations of detainee rights under current detention protocols.

Given the tense post-election atmosphere, with protests and alleged security-force abuses across the country, many fear Ekane's death will intensify political unrest, fuel demands for accountability, and draw renewed scrutiny to detention conditions under the current regime.