His party, the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM), has described his death not as another custodial fatality but as a “political assassination”.
Speaking to City Press on Tuesday, CRM representative Marius maintained that Ekane’s detention was unlawful, arguing that he was held without an arrest warrant, denied proper conditions, and deprived of his medication despite known health complications.
“This is definitely an assassination. I would even call it premeditated murder,” he said, extending condolences to Ekane’s family.
Ekane died inside a military camp rather than a civilian prison, raising further questions about the legality of his detention. His judicial status at the time of his death remains unknown. According to the CRM, neither his family nor his lawyers had been provided with information regarding whether he had been charged, was awaiting trial or had been convicted of any offence.
Marius said the political climate in Cameroon was already tense, with unresolved conflict in the southwest and northwest regions, as well as deep divisions following the widely contested October elections. He argued that the death fuelled public anger and heightened fears among opposition activists.
“This regime only understands violence,” he claimed, adding that political leaders across the opposition spectrum had condemned the incident.
Ekane’s family is said to be devastated. His eldest son last saw him a week before his death and reportedly left the military facility, fearing his father might not survive his detention.
Opposition leaders insist the government must be held accountable. They accuse authorities of targeting critical voices, pointing to previous killings of journalists and clergy. The Humanitarian Coordinator for the party, as well as the CRM’s leadership in exile, has called for continued nationwide “ghost town” protests, which were observed over the weekend.
Marius criticised the central government for failing to send a delegation to the family or provide a full explanation. The Ministry of Defence issued only a brief statement confirming Ekane’s death.
Opposition groups now plan to intensify political pressure, arguing that Cameroon is witnessing a pattern of suppression that requires urgent regional and international attention.
–ChannelAfrica–
