It has been nearly three months since Cameroonian opposition figure Anicet Ekane died in military detention, weeks after his arrest.
Authorities have now authorised his family to retrieve his body from the mortuary at Yaoundé Central Hospital, following legal requests by the family’s lawyers. His remains had been kept under judicial seal since his death on December 1, by order of a military court official.
Lawyers are also seeking access to the autopsy report, which has not yet been made public.
Ekane had been part of an opposition coalition accused of insurrection after backing Issa Tchiroma Bakary’s claim of victory in October’s disputed presidential election.
Official results declared long-serving President Paul Biya — in power since 1982 — the winner, triggering deadly protests in several parts of Cameroon. Bakary later fled the country.
The release of Ekane’s body now clears the way for funeral arrangements, though legal and political tensions remain.
SOURCE: AFRICA NEWS
