Post-election tension: EU urges release of all arrested as Anicet Ekane dies in detention.

The delegation in the statement, said it learned with deep sadness of the death of Anicet Ekane, President of the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy, MANIDEM. 

The diplomatic representation also extended “sincere condolences to his family, friends, close associates and to his political movement”.

The EU noted that, the MANIDEM party leader was “a committed activist and a prominent figure of democratic pluralism since the 1990s”, noting that his demise leave, “… a significant void in Cameroon’s public debate”.

In the statement, the EU further acknowledged the communique sent out by the Ministry of Defence, indicating that investigations will be opened into Ekane’s demise.

The organisation recalled that it had issued a statement demanding the release of those arrested during the election. The European Union delegation said it strongly recalled a statement by the Spokesperson of the European Union, dated October 28, 2025.

It underscored, among other points, the need to ensure the safety and physical integrity of all political actors. The EU also asked for justice to be done in order to tackle instances of excessive use of violence and human rights violations.

Other political actors, Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, and international organisations, had as at Monday, issued statements condemning circumstances under which the politician died.

In the meantime, the remains of the politician who supported the candidacy of Issa Tchiroma in the October 12 presidential election, have been deposited at the Yaounde Central Hospital mortuary. 

Ekane, who headed the Union for Change, was arrested on October 24, 2025, after he and orders issued a statement claiming that Tchiroma had won the October 12 election. He was aged 74.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3644 of Wednesday December 03, 2025