• Anicet Ekane, a prominent opposition leader in Cameroon, died in military custody at age 74.
• His death raises serious concerns about medical neglect amid rising political tensions.
• The Cameroonian government faces accusations of political repression following the October elections.

Anicet Ekane, a veteran opposition figure from Cameroon, tragically died on December 1 in military detention after being arrested on October 24. The leader of the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM) was taken into custody following his support for rival candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary in the recent presidential election, which returned 92-year-old incumbent Paul Biya to power amid widespread allegations of electoral fraud. His death could exacerbate the political instability in Cameroon, as security forces recently responded to post-election protests with violence, resulting in numerous casualties, including a reported 48 civilian deaths, according to Reuters, BBC, Le Monde, and Al Jazeera.

Following Ekane's arrest, his health reportedly deteriorated significantly due to inadequate medical care in custody. Multiple sources indicate that his family and legal representatives repeatedly alerted authorities about his condition, which included severe respiratory distress, but their concerns were largely ignored. Ekane's lawyer stated, "We’re still in shock and sadness. Ekane committed no crime, so we need to know why he was arrested and abandoned," emphasizing the perceived negligence in care, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

The government has countered allegations of medical neglect, asserting that Ekane was adequately treated by military doctors and stating that an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death has been initiated. Officials claim he suffered from chronic health issues before his detention. However, opposition leaders and human rights advocates denounce his death as a politically motivated act linked to the broader crackdown on dissent following the election, with calls from the European Union for the release of those detained unlawfully, as noted by BBC and Le Monde.

Ekane's legacy as a key figure in Cameroon's opposition movement is underscored by his long history of advocating for social justice and democratic reform. His death has triggered protests and expressions of grief among supporters across the country as they demand accountability and justice, with many viewing him as a martyr for the cause of political freedom in Cameroon, according to Al Jazeera and Le Monde.