Cameroonian opposition leader Ekane dies in custody

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:02):
Cameroonian opposition leader Anisad Ekaine has died in detention of
the age of seventy four, a month after his arrest
following post election protests. His death has sparked outrage among
his party and civil society groups, who have caught for
an international investigation and described his death as a programmed killing. Ekane,

(00:24):
a left wing nationalist and a prominent critic of President Paulbeier,
was arrested in late October in the commercial capital Dullah.
He was later transferred to Yeo under and held on
charges of insurrection. His lawyers maintainer his detention was illegal
and he was never presented before a judge. Ekane's health

(00:46):
deteriorated significantly while in custody. His son and lawyers reported
that he had difficulties breathing and eating, and his party
stated that essential medical equipment, including an oxygen conson traitor,
had been confiscated and locked in his impounded car. Repeated
requests to transfer him to a better equipped hospital were

(01:09):
reportedly denied. Meanwhile, Cameroon's Ministry of Defense confirmed Ekane's death
at the National Gendarmerie Military Medical Center, stating he was
being treated for a chronic illness by military and personal physicians.
The government has announced that an investigation into the circumstances

(01:29):
of his death is underway. Ekane's arrest occurred amidst widespread
protests over alleged fraud in the October twelfth presidential election,
which saw the ninety two year old pauby Ile declared
the winner for an eighth term. Ekane was a key
figure in the Union for Change coalition, which back Drival
candidates at Jeroma Bakari. Ekane's death has intensified political tensions

(01:56):
in Cameroon, with supporters gathering at his parts, his headquarters
and do our larger Grieve and demand accountability.