Cameroon's leading opposition figure, Anicet Ekane, who died in military detention nearly three months ago, will soon have his body released to his family after a prolonged judicial hold. The decision comes after the family's lawyers made successful requests to retrieve his remains, which have been stored in the mortuary of the Yaoundé Central Hospital since his death on December 1. This move enables Ekane's widow to initiate funeral preparations, which had been delayed due to the government's prior hold on his body.

The circumstances surrounding Ekane's detention and death have raised significant concerns regarding governmental transparency and human rights in Cameroon. Ekane was arrested alongside others from an opposition coalition that had contended the legitimacy of the highly controversial presidential election results that proclaimed 92-year-old Paul Biya the winner. His passing while in custody has prompted calls for accountability and an investigation into the conditions that led to his death, emphasizing the political tension within the country.

As the family awaits the release of the autopsy report, the implications of this case extend beyond personal grief, as it highlights broader issues related to political dissent in Cameroon. Critics of the incumbent government argue that the treatment of opposition figures reflects a systemic crackdown on political opposition, and this incident has garnered the attention of not only local activists but also international observers who are concerned about the state of democracy and human rights in Cameroon. The outcome of the autopsy report will likely influence public perception and calls for justice in this sensitive political context.