During a press conference on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at their Bololo headquarters in N’Djaména, Hisseine Abdoulaye, spokesperson for Les Patriotes party, voiced strong opposition to Chad’s current political and security climate. He specifically condemned the recent sentencing of eight prominent political leaders affiliated with the GCAP (Groupe de concertation des acteurs politiques). In a firm opening statement, Les Patriotes asserted that the nation faces a profound, multi-layered crisis, evidenced by persistent insecurity, escalating communal tensions, and a noticeable decline in public freedoms.

Les Patriotes first highlighted the deteriorating security conditions, particularly in the Lake Chad basin, where Boko Haram attacks against the Chadian army are reportedly escalating. The party also drew attention to the deadly inter-communal violence plaguing eastern Chad, especially in Wadi Fira, which has claimed dozens of lives. According to party officials, these ongoing crises underscore critical vulnerabilities within the national security framework, thereby intensifying the overall atmosphere of instability across the country.

Turning to the political sphere, Les Patriotes denounced what they described as an “authoritarian tightening” by the ruling power. The party pointed to several concerning incidents, including the assassination of Yaya Dillo, the detention of Succès Masra, and most recently, the sentencing of eight GCAP leaders to eight years in prison. This declaration suggests these convictions are designed to silence dissenting voices and systematically weaken the political opposition in Chad.

Furthermore, Les Patriotes contended that the legal proceedings initiated against the GCAP officials were conducted with unusual swiftness. The party directly accused the public prosecutor, the Ministry of Territorial Administration, and the Supreme Court of orchestrating a coordinated effort aimed at politically neutralizing the now-dissolved opposition coalition, raising serious questions about the impartiality of the justice system.

Officials from Les Patriotes meticulously challenged each accusation leveled against the convicted leaders, which included charges of unlawful assembly, criminal association, insurrection, rebellion, and illegal possession of weapons. They maintained that the prosecution’s evidence lacked any solid material basis, dismissing certain alleged offenses as entirely fabricated or “imaginary.”

In their official statement, the conference organizers urged the international community, human rights organizations, and proponents of the rule of law to closely monitor the developments surrounding this case. They emphatically demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the eight imprisoned leaders, alongside all other political prisoners currently held in Chad.

Finally, Les Patriotes issued a compelling call for broad citizen mobilization, constructive dialogue, and national unity. Their objective is to safeguard democracy and prevent any further escalation of the political and security tensions currently affecting the nation.