Cameroonian Opposition Leader Anicet Ekane Dies Amid Controversy

Cameroon's opposition leader Anicet Ekane has died at 74 after being detained. Allegations of insufficient medical care and unjust arrest surround his death. He was held amid protests over a disputed presidential election result. An investigation into his death has been announced by the defense ministry.

Cameroon's political landscape was rocked by the death of prominent opposition leader Anicet Ekane, who passed away in detention at the age of 74. Ekane's death comes amid accusations of inadequate medical attention during his imprisonment, which followed widespread protests over alleged electoral fraud.

Ekane, a key figure in the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy party, was arrested during a crackdown on dissenters contesting the October presidential election results. His lawyer, Emmanuel Simh, denounced the arrest as baseless, highlighting the deteriorating health conditions Ekane faced without proper treatment.

The defense ministry acknowledged Ekane's demise, attributing it to an illness, while announcing an investigation into the circumstances. The situation ignited public outrage, with Ekane's family and party decrying his treatment as tantamount to "murder." The incident further fuels the political unrest in Cameroon, as calls for transparency and justice intensify.

(With inputs from agencies.)