Africa Newsroom — Cameroon, Cameroon — The death of Anicet Ekane, president of the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (Manidem), in state custody on December 1, 2025, has sparked widespread outrage and grief across Cameroon and beyond.
Ekane, arrested on October 24, 2025, following the controversial presidential election of October 12, passed away in Yaoundé, having been transferred there from Douala. His death, which occurred while he was being held at the State Defence Secretariat (SED), has raised serious concerns about the treatment of political prisoners and the state of human rights in Cameroon.
While the exact circumstances of Ekane’s death remain unclear, his lawyer claims he died “while deprived of his liberty,” suggesting neglect. The Cameroon defense ministry, however, stated he died “following an illness” and that an investigation has been opened. Ekane’s family and lawyer alleged he had trouble breathing and did not receive proper medical care, with his son noting that his father’s health had worsened and he had difficulties breathing for a week.
Ekane’s death has been met with谴责 from civil society organizations, who have called for a thorough investigation into his death and the broader conditions of political prisoners in Cameroon. There are allegations that authorities ignored requests to transfer Ekane to a hospital with appropriate facilities, and his party claimed that authorities ignored medical advice.
Authorities had accused Ekane of supporting Issa Tchiroma Bakary, another opposition figure who declared himself the winner of the election, and detained him on charges of insurrection. His arrest and subsequent death have raised concerns about the state’s response to political dissent and the rule of law in the country.
According to apanews.net, the case of Anicet Ekane is emblematic of the broader challenges faced by political opposition in Cameroon. The country has been experiencing a prolonged political crisis, with numerous opposition leaders and activists facing arrest, detention, and harassment.
Gistreel.com reports that the death of Ekane has sparked protests in several parts of the country, with citizens demanding accountability and justice. The incident has also drawn international attention, with calls for an independent investigation into Ekane’s death and the broader situation in Cameroon.
Pmnewsnigeria.com indicates that Ekane’s death comes amidst a backdrop of increasing tensions and instability in the country, with the ruling party facing growing opposition and public discontent over the electoral process and the state of the economy.
Source: Africa
