A 74-year-old Cameroonian opposition leader, Anicet Ekane, died in detention on Monday morning. He was one of the leaders of a coalition that supported Issa Tchiroma Bakary's candidacy in Cameroon's presidential election held last month.
The government had denied him access to his medication, which his lawyers claimed led to his worsening health condition. According to his lawyers, Ekane was never presented before a judge or charged with any misdemeanor despite being detained for five weeks.
Ekane was among the leaders of an opposition coalition who endorsed Issa Tchiroma Bakary in October's presidential election. However, Kamto, another prominent opposition figure, had been initially endorsed by the same coalition but his candidacy was rejected on the grounds that the party had endorsed more than one candidate.
The Cameroonian government has denied any wrongdoing and instead claims that Ekane received proper medical attention during his detention. An investigation into the exact circumstances of his death is currently underway.
Ekane's death comes after at least 48 people were killed by Cameroon's security forces during protests against President Paul Biya's re-election in October. The opposition figure had been vocal about condemning these human rights abuses and urging for democratic reforms in the country.
Renowned anti-corruption lawyer, Akere Muna, described Ekane as a fierce and passionate flame who burned for democratic emancipation, stating that he was never presented before a judge or charged with any misdemeanor despite being detained for five weeks.
The government had denied him access to his medication, which his lawyers claimed led to his worsening health condition. According to his lawyers, Ekane was never presented before a judge or charged with any misdemeanor despite being detained for five weeks.
Ekane was among the leaders of an opposition coalition who endorsed Issa Tchiroma Bakary in October's presidential election. However, Kamto, another prominent opposition figure, had been initially endorsed by the same coalition but his candidacy was rejected on the grounds that the party had endorsed more than one candidate.
The Cameroonian government has denied any wrongdoing and instead claims that Ekane received proper medical attention during his detention. An investigation into the exact circumstances of his death is currently underway.
Ekane's death comes after at least 48 people were killed by Cameroon's security forces during protests against President Paul Biya's re-election in October. The opposition figure had been vocal about condemning these human rights abuses and urging for democratic reforms in the country.
Renowned anti-corruption lawyer, Akere Muna, described Ekane as a fierce and passionate flame who burned for democratic emancipation, stating that he was never presented before a judge or charged with any misdemeanor despite being detained for five weeks.
this is just great... another opposition figure dies in detention and the gov's response is to claim they treated him well 
. like how convenient it always is when someone gets killed under suspicious circumstances, right? 
anicet ekane wasnt even charged with anything but still ended up dead... what's the real motive here? 
i need to see some evidence of this "proper medical attention" they're talking about... sources anyone? 
Ekane's case is another example of how unfair the system can be in Cameroon 
. His family should get some answers about what really happened to him 
. The government denying access to his meds and saying he got proper care during detention just doesn't add up 
. It's like they're covering something up 
. Ekane was a brave man who spoke out against human rights abuses 
, it's not right that he paid the ultimate price 
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. But still, it's just too soon and it hurts to think about 
.
Ekane's story just broke my heart, five weeks without seeing a court or being charged... it's infuriating that his health issues were ignored. His courage for democracy and human rights will never be forgotten 
.
. I'm not buying it.
. I mean, why bother investigating when you know you'll get a clean slate? It's always the opposition that suffers, and Ekane was just another pawn in their game of oppression 
. And now we've got Akere Muna talking about his "fierce passion" for democracy... yeah right, like that means anything when the system is rigged against you 
Anicet Ekane was such an amazing guy 
I mean I know the government has been denying some bad things but now it looks like they were hiding something 
especially since his lawyers said he never got a fair trial or any kinda charge against him 
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it's like they were trying to punish someone for speaking out against the system.
. Akere Muna's words about Ekane being a "fierce and passionate flame" really hit home... he was a true champion for what's right 
i hope the investigation into his death goes well and brings justice to his family 
. The fact that there was a dispute over his leadership role within an opposition coalition doesn't justify this 
.
. 5 weeks in detention & still no charges? sounds like a fishy situation to me 
. his lawyers say he was never presented before a judge, can't we have some transparency here? 
. hope Akere Muna gets to the bottom of this & makes sure justice is served 
. The opposition figures who spoke out against President Biya's re-election should be commended, not silenced... it's time for Cameroon to take a step towards true democracy 
