Chad opposition leader Succès Masra remains jailed after appeal rejected

The Supreme Court of Chad has upheld the conviction of former Prime Minister and opposition figure Succès Masra, deepening political tensions in N’Djamena. The decision, announced on May 21, confirms the 20-year prison sentence imposed last August for charges including “spreading hateful and xenophobic messages” and “complicity in murder.”

Legal battle reaches dead end

Following the Supreme Court’s refusal to overturn his sentence, Succès Masra will continue serving his sentence despite his legal team’s arguments. “Despite presenting all possible legal defenses, the court chose to stand by its initial ruling,” stated attorney Francis Kadjilembaye after the hearing. The former head of government was arrested in May 2025 and swiftly convicted the following August.

Human rights groups condemn politically motivated trial

Human Rights Watch has labeled Masra’s prosecution a “politically motivated process,” highlighting what it calls the government’s intolerance toward dissent. On Thursday, a heavy security presence surrounded the Supreme Court building, with journalists reporting restricted access to the proceedings.

Political climate in Chad remains volatile

The court’s decision arrives amid escalating political unrest in Chad. Earlier this month, eight opposition leaders were sentenced to eight years in prison for alleged insurrection, while the country’s main opposition coalition was dissolved days before these verdicts. Opposition parties frequently report intimidation tactics and bans on public demonstrations. In late April, a member of Masra’s Les Transformateurs party was killed by police during a protest calling for his release.

From economist to prime minister to prisoner

Succès Masra, an economist trained in France and Cameroon, rose to prominence as a vocal critic of President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno before being appointed Prime Minister in 2024. He later ran against Déby in the presidential election, officially receiving 18.5% of the vote compared to 61.3% for the incumbent—a result Masra has consistently contested, claiming victory.