Chadian opposition figure succès masra marks a year in detention
Un an que l’opposant Succès Masra est en prison au Tchad
Succès Masra, the former Prime Minister and president of Les Transformateurs party, was arrested following inter-communal violence in southern Chad on charges of incitement to hatred. In August 2025, he received a 20-year prison sentence.
For the leadership and members of Les Transformateurs, this Saturday, May 16, marks a somber anniversary: the day their leader, Succès Masra, was taken from his home in the early morning hours a year ago. Despite this significant setback, the party maintains a reassuring stance regarding its future and continued operations.
Dr. Tog-Yeum Nagorngar, the Secretary-General of Les Transformateurs, emphasized the party’s resilience. “President Succès Masra, though imprisoned, remains a guiding presence among us,” he stated. “Indeed, the party is thriving and continues to focus intently on its objectives, refusing to be sidetracked by any distractions.” Dr. Nagorngar firmly believes that Masra’s year-long detention is unwarranted, asserting that “no evidence has been presented to substantiate the accusations against him. We remain convinced that this is an administrative and judicial error.” He concluded by appealing to the highest authority, saying, “Today, the only individual holding all the keys to rectify this error is Marshal Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno. We earnestly hope he will fulfill his responsibilities.”
Widespread detention of opposition figures
The political climate in Chad has seen further tightening. Just last week, eight other opposition party leaders, all members of the Political Actors’ Consultation Group (GCAP), were sentenced to eight years in prison. Their charges included “criminal association, insurrectional movements, rebellion, and possession of war weapons,” stemming from their plans for a peaceful protest march. Sosthène Mbernodji, coordinator of the Citizen Movement for the Preservation of Liberties (MCPL), expressed deep regret over these arrests, contending that Chad now effectively lacks a political opposition.
“With their leader imprisoned for a year now, Les Transformateurs’ operational capacity is significantly curtailed,” Mbernodji observed. “The GCAP was the last remaining coalition voice offering an alternative perspective. Yet, the authorities have employed the judiciary to dismantle this group and silence its eight prominent leaders. I believe we are no longer operating within a democracy; instead, a monarchy is taking root for the long term, which is truly regrettable for Chad.” He urged for a de-escalation of social and political tensions to allow for progress. “At this juncture, it represents a regression of nearly 40 to 50 years. The nation has reverted to a one-party system, reminiscent of the post-independence era.”
In response to this wave of arrests and convictions, approximately twenty opposition parties collectively issued a press statement. They condemned what they described as the suppression of dissenting voices and the blatant instrumentalization of the justice system.