By Noela EBOB BISONG
The unfortunate demise of opposition strongman, president of Manidem political party, Anicet Ekane Georges, last December 1, in detention, has sent tongues wagging strongly for the unconditional release of all arrested and currently detained in line with the post-election violence which erupted following the October 12 Presidential election. Anicet Ekane was arrested alongside two others, last October 24 in Douala and transferred to Yaounde. He passed away at the Military Medical Centre of the National Gendarmerie in Yaoundé following an illness.
Since his demise, tributes have been pouring in, even from political adversaries, traitors and the state which indicted him. In a quick move, Minister Joseph Beti Assomo of Defense was amongst the first to officially announce the death of Ekane, followed by Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson, Rene Emmanuel Sadi. In the statement released by the Communication boss, he stated that, “The Government of the Republic regrets this death, which occurred while Mr Ekane Anicet was being held in custody… and while he was already suffering from various health issues prior to his detention.” The State has mentioned an investigation into the exact cause of his demise.
Tchiroma’s promises to Anicet Ekane
Opposition figure, Issa Tchiroma Bakary reacted to Ekane’s demise that, “I promise you here, before God and before the people: Your sacrifice will not be in vain. Your memory will live on in every act of justice, in every step toward truth, in every silence that becomes strength. Anicet Ekane is not just another martyr. He is a landmark. A symbol. He serves as a beacon of moral guidance. His name will not disappear into a footnote. It will be engraved in the stone of reconstruction. And I say this here solemnly: His blood does not cry for vengeance. It calls for justice. To the families of all political prisoners, I say this: you are not alone. In this country, every opponent is treated like a criminal, every dissenting voice as a threat. The death of Anicet Ekane is not an isolated case. It is the tragic sign of a regime that makes prison its only answer to the battle of ideas. To those who caused his death, I say this: You did not break a life. You awakened a Nation. And this Nation, strengthened by its martyrs, will no longer retreat. It moves forward. Calm. Dignified. Organized. And it remembers. Anicet, my brother, you fell so that others may rise. You left so that the true Republic may stand tall. And I promise you here, before God and before the people: Your sacrifice will not be in vain. Your memory will live in every act of justice, in every step toward truth, in every silence that becomes strength.”
Kamto maintains “he was killed”
On his part, Prof Maurice Kamto, who was given refuge by Anicet Ekane under Manidem party for a bid in the October 12 presidential election (but which didn’t go through), reacted that, “They killed him. They assassinated President Anicet Ekane…Because of the hatred toward Maurice Kamto and the MRC, because of the detestation of Issa Tchiroma Bakary, they assassinated Anicet Ekane…This is an authentic state crime.”
Also, Dieudonné Yebga, who is considered by observers as one who betrayed and disgraced Anicet Ekane, also sent in a heavy-worded homage in memory of the deceased.
Atanga Nji shows little remorse
On his part however, Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji has maintained that Anicet Ekane and his co-detainee, Djeukam Tchameni, manipulated youths to protest against the 2025 Presidential election verdict, which announced Paul Biya winning an eighth term.
According to Atanga Nji, “Being sick is not a free pass to violate the laws of the Republic. There are people in the hospital whose feet are chained, because although you receive care, you are guilty of something, so you pay the price for your guilt…I am very, very troubled when people start saying he (Anicet Ekane) died a martyr, he’s a hero. No—Jesus Christ died to save the world. After Jesus Christ, people shouldn’t keep saying someone else died to save humanity… Truly, peace to his soul, but we must avoid saying he is a martyr or a national hero, no”, he voices.
What way forward?
Anicet Ekane’s death sent shockwaves across and beyond the nation of Cameroon. Since then, many voices are echoeing the release of all in detention, which are numbered around 2000, including minors and women.
At press time, THE SUN learnt that Professor Aba’a Oyono had been released from detention, while Djeukam Tchameni, arrested with Anicet Ekane had been transferred to the Kondengui Central Prison, where activist Parfait Mbvoum is being held. However, the massive release of detainees being clamoured for, still remains far-fetched.
The post-election violence which occurred in several towns in Cameroon and for several days resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of properties, arson and looting.
The violence sparked off as some held that opposition figure, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who was backed by Anicet Ekane, was the winner of the October 12 Presidential election. Tchiroma himself had called for Cameroonians to defend their votes. He is believed to be seeking refuge in The Gambia, following the proclamation of Paul Biya as winner of the election.
Anicet Ekane Georges, born on April 17, 1951 quits the Cameroon political scene at the age of 74.