Following the imprisonment of eight opposition leaders in Tchad, each sentenced to eight years in prison, Alifa Younous Mahamat has condemned what he calls a deliberate strategy to eliminate credible political opposition. These leaders, all members of the Groupe de concertation des acteurs politiques (GCAP), were arrested just days before a planned protest that had been banned by authorities.
Listen to Alifa Younous Mahamat’s statement
Listen to Alifa Younous Mahamat’s statement
Political justice weaponized against dissent
The recent convictions mark a concerning trend in Tchad’s political landscape. Mahamat argues that these legal actions represent an “instrumentalization of justice for political purposes”, warning that the country is drifting toward dictatorship. “This situation demonstrates how Tchad is sinking deeper into authoritarianism, where fear and repression are used to enforce a single narrative”, he states.
Systematic silencing of opposition voices
For the PSF coordinator, the crackdown on GCAP leaders is part of a broader campaign to neutralize opposition. “Every dissenting voice is systematically and completely silenced”, he asserts. He further explains that fundamental freedoms in Tchad are increasingly restricted, stating, “It is impossible for a credible opposition party to exercise freedom of expression, organize, or assemble”. This repression follows the 20-year prison sentence handed down to Succès Masra, a prominent opposition figure and former Prime Minister, nearly a year ago.
Diaspora amplifies opposition calls for international support
The Tchadian diaspora, particularly in France and Europe, has become a vital voice for those unable to speak out within the country. “We are the voice of those who cannot be heard”, Mahamat explains, emphasizing the diaspora’s role in engaging with international institutions and human rights organizations. “We urge the international community to take decisive action”, he insists. His efforts include meeting with French political leaders, including representatives from La France Insoumise, to draw attention to the worsening situation.
International mobilization as a last resort
With domestic avenues for dissent increasingly closed, the opposition now relies on international advocacy to challenge the regime’s tightening grip. Mahamat’s meetings with French officials, including discussions with Jean-Luc Mélenchon, underscore the diaspora’s determination to keep the crisis in Tchad in the global spotlight. For the exiled opposition, international mobilization has become their most effective tool against the escalating repression under Mahamat Idriss Déby’s leadership.