Visionary Reports

In the wake of the civil unrest following the October 2025 presidential election, a group of determined women, mothers, sisters, and wives have united to demand the immediate release of political detainees. At a press conference Monday, January 19, 2026, the group voiced grave concerns over the health of those remaining in custody and the perceived lack of judicial fairness.The movement is spearheaded by Mrs. Makini Tchameni, wife of the detained intellectual and politician Djeukam Tchameni, and veteran activist Henriette Ekwe. Their coalition aims to provide medical and humanitarian aid to those swept up in the October 24 arrests, while lobbying for their unconditional release.Djeukam Tchameni has been held at Kondengui Central Prison in Yaounde since December 5. While his family reports he remains in “good spirits,” his physical health is rapidly declining.”He is already elderly and not in the best condition,” Ms. Tchameni told the press. “He does not need to be behind bars for these investigations to continue. He could be monitored by his doctors at home while answering questions. Mr. Tchameni would be better off at home.”The urgency of the women’s plea is underscored by the recent death of Anicet Ekane, who was arrested alongside Tchameni. For the families, Ekane’s death serves as a haunting warning.”Anicet went to prison and did not come out alive,” Mrs. Tchameni stated. “There is nothing to guarantee the same won’t happen to my husband.”Henriette Ekwe went further, describing the lack of adequate medical care for Ekane as a “medical execution.” She expressed deep suspicion regarding the selective release of other detainees, such as Aba’a Oyono, suggesting that the legal process is being manipulated to isolate Tchameni.

Moreover,the coalition highlighted a worrying lack of transparency in how cases are being handled: While some detainees have been freed, others remain in high-security facilities. Regarding the release of Aba’a Oyono, reports suggested he authored an apology letter to the Divisional officer a claim Oyono himself denies. Ekwe fears that by releasing co-defendants, the state is attempting to “pin the blame for the resistance” solely on Tchameni to justify a harsher sentence before a military tribunal.”When they isolate Djeukam, it means the axe is intended to fall on his head,” Ekwe warned. “And that is not normal.”They go further to make the following request,a transitioning of detainees to house arrest or supervised release. Ensuring elderly or ill prisoners receive urgent specialized care. Transparent criteria for releases to ensure all detainees are treated fairly.Humanitarian Aid Allowing families to provide consistent food and medical supplies.

By HENRY WANA