FACT FILE: Things You May Not Know About Late Cameroonian Opposition Leader Anicet Ekane

• Anicet Ekane, 74, was detained in late October for alleged insurrection following the presidential election and died after weeks of detention.

• Ekane’s family and lawyers say he suffered breathing difficulties and received inadequate medical treatment while in custody.

• Political Context and Protests: Ekane opposed the October 12 election results declaring 92-year-old Paul Biya the winner.

1. Who Was Anicet Ekane?

• A prominent opposition leader and head of the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM).
• A well-known critic of the government and advocate for democratic reforms.
• Died at 74 years old.

2. When and How Did He Die?

• Died on Monday, December 1, 2025, after weeks of detention.
• Family and lawyers say he suffered breathing difficulties and was denied proper care.
• The Defense Ministry says he died from “an illness” while receiving treatment.

3. Why Was He Arrested?

• Arrested in late October as protests erupted over alleged fraud in the October 12 presidential election.
• Detained on charges of insurrection, according to lawyer Emmanuel Simh.

READ ALSO: Cameroonian Opposition Leader Anicet Ekan Dies in Detention

• Held alongside other senior party members.

4. What Were the Circumstances Before His Death?

• Had difficulty breathing for a week, according to his eldest son, Muna Ekane.
• Family says authorities were alerted repeatedly but did nothing.
• Experienced respiratory distress and difficulty eating in custody.

5. Political Context

• Death occurred amid controversy over the presidential election that declared 92-year-old Paul Biya winner again.
• Rival Issa Tchiroma Bakary claimed victory and urged Cameroonians to reject the official result.
• Ekane’s family believes he was targeted for supporting Bakary, who fled to Gambia.

6. Government Position

• Defense Ministry confirmed his death and said he had chronic illnesses.
• Claimed he was hospitalized at the National Gendarmerie Military Medical Center.
• Said he received care from military and personal doctors and that an investigation has begun.

7. Opposition Reaction

• Ekane’s party described his death as “murder” in a social media statement.
• Lawyer says Ekane committed no crime and demands clarity on why he was abandoned in custody.

8. Post-Election Unrest

• Violent protests broke out after the election results.
• Government says 16 people were killed.
• Opposition leaders and human rights groups estimate the toll above 55.