The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has strongly condemned the death in custody of opposition leader Anicet Ekane and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all protesters arbitrarily arrested after Cameroon’s disputed October presidential election.
In a statement posted on X on December 5, 2025, the OHCHR said: “We’re appalled by the death in detention of opposition leader Anicet Ekane & concerned for the wellbeing of protesters detained following the presidential election. All protesters arbitrarily arrested must be immediately and unconditionally released.”
Ekane, 74, founder of the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM) and a prominent supporter of opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, died on December 1 at a military hospital in Yaounde. Arrested on October 24 during post-election raids, he was held without charge or trial. His family and lawyers allege he was denied urgent medical care despite serious respiratory problems.
The government has announced an investigation, but opposition groups and rights organisations have rejected it as inadequate, calling Ekane’s death a “state assassination.”
The election, won by 92-year-old President Paul Biya with 53.66 percent amid widespread fraud allegations, triggered nationwide protests. Security forces responded with lethal force, killing at least 48 civilians and arresting hundreds, according to Human Rights Watch. Many detainees face military tribunals on charges of insurrection.
