The African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM) strongly denounces the confiscation of medical equipment belonging to its president, Anicet Ekane, who is currently being held at the Central Judicial Investigation Service in Yaoundé.

In a press release dated November 21, 2025, MANIDEM revealed that, since the evening of October 24, 2025, medical equipment essential to Anicet Ekane's survival, including an oxygen concentrator , has been withheld. This equipment is located in his vehicle, which is being held "under seal at the Douala gendarmerie headquarters."

Anicet Ekane's life is seriously threatened

The political party, which supported Issa Tchiroma Bakary's candidacy in the recent presidential election, insists that this blockage " seriously endangers Anicet Ekane's life ." The oxygen concentrator is vital for the activist, allowing him to "breathe normally."

Considering this act a " premeditated killing " and a " flagrant violation of human rights ," MANIDEM is appealing to public opinion and issuing a stern warning to the authorities. The movement is also taking this opportunity to reiterate its condemnation of the " brutal arrest " of Anicet Ekane, Florence Aimée Titcho, and all the other supporters of Issa Tchiroma Bakary.

Legal proceedings that went nowhere

The political bureau of MANIDEM recalls that the steps taken by its lawyers to obtain the release of said devices have remained in vain.

Attorney Hippolyte MELI had notably sent a letter to Colonel Jean Pierre Otoulou, Commander of the Littoral Gendarmerie Legion, requesting the oxygen concentrator and its accessories. In his letter, the lawyer specified that Anicet Ekane is " oxygen-dependent " and is currently hospitalized at the National Gendarmerie Medical Center.

According to the lawyer, the devices were "placed on the back seat of his confiscated vehicle and kept in the Legion's courtyard." The Commander was formally requested to immediately release the equipment and "transfer it to his medical staff" so that they could be given to the detainee after functionality checks.

Context of the arrest

As a reminder, Anicet Ekane, president of MANIDEM and leader of the Union for Change (UPC2025), was arrested during the crackdown on demonstrations claiming victory for Issa Tchiroma Bakary, the candidate he supported. The leader continues to maintain that their consensus candidate won the election. His colleagues consider him one of the political prisoners for whom they demand unconditional release.