Cameroon to Release Body of Late Opposition Leader. Yaoundé, Cameroon — The Cameroonian authorities have agreed to release the body of Anicet Ekane, a prominent opposition figure who died in military detention last December, according to local reports. Ekane’s family has been granted permission to retrieve his remains from the Yaoundé Central Hospital mortuary, following two requests made by their legal representatives.
Ekane, 74, was among the leaders of an opposition coalition that endorsed Issa Tchiroma Bakary’s victory in October’s presidential election, which was won by incumbent Paul Biya.
The official results declared Biya, 92, as the winner, extending his term in office for another seven years.
The election results were met with deadly protests across the country, with Bakary, who has since fled the country, claiming he had won.
Ekane’s death, which occurred on December 1, 2025, has been shrouded in controversy. His remains were kept under a judicial seal, a decision made by the government commissioner at the military court.
The family’s lawyers are now hoping to obtain the autopsy report, which has remained a secret until now.
The release of Ekane’s body comes after persistent pressure from the family and their legal team.
The decision to allow the body to be released follows the filing of two requests by the family’s lawyers, which were eventually granted by the authorities. Regional officials confirmed the development, noting that the release of Ekane’s body is a significant step forward for the family, who have been seeking closure since his death.
However, the circumstances surrounding his death and the subsequent handling of his remains remain a matter of concern for many.
The family’s lawyers are expected to continue their efforts to obtain the autopsy report and to seek further clarification on the events leading up to Ekane’s death.
The situation remains developing, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days.
