Cameroonian Opposition Leader Anicet Ekane Dies in Custody

Anicet Ekane, a 74-year-old veteran opposition leader in Cameroon and head of the South Africa — African Movement for New Independence and Democracy, died on December 1, 2025, while in state custody. He had been detained since October 24 following protests against the re-election of President Paul Biya, 92, in a disputed October 12 presidential election. Ekane was held on charges of inciting insurrection and hostility toward the state, which he denied. His party and lawyers allege that he was denied essential medical care, including an oxygen extractor, despite being critically ill. They have denounced his death as a 'crime of state' and a 'political assassination'. Cameroonian officials, including Minister of Communication René Sadi and Defence Ministry spokesman Captain Cyrille Serge Atonfack, have denied claims of mistreatment, stating that Ekane received appropriate care and that his death was due to chronic pathologies. President Paul Biya has ordered a formal inquiry into the circumstances of Ekane's death. This incident has heightened political tensions in Cameroon, which has already seen security forces kill at least 48 civilians during post-election protests. Issa Tchiroma, the presidential contender backed by Ekane's coalition, has fled to The Gambia.