Chad’s escalating crackdown: a descent into authoritarianism

N’Djamena’s regime appears set on perpetuating a destructive cycle of coups and violent conflicts.

Just two weeks following their apprehension for organizing a protest against governance issues in Chad, eight prominent opposition leaders received an eight-year prison sentence. Their collective, the “Groupe de concertation des acteurs politiques” (GCAP), had planned a public demonstration for May 2.

On May 7, the day before their sentencing, the Supreme Court officially announced the dissolution of the GCAP, which had been the nation’s primary opposition coalition. These eight figures now join Succès Masra, a leading opposition voice and head of the Transformateurs party, who was previously sentenced in August 2025 to twenty years in prison on charges of “inciting hatred.”

This sequence of events marks a significant step further down the path towards authoritarianism for the country. With the effective silencing of GCAP leaders, the Patriotic Salvation Movement, the party of President Mahamat Idriss Déby, now faces virtually no credible challenge. The democratic aspirations of Chad are consequently crumbling without a viable opposition.

Public demonstrations have been systematically outlawed for over six years. Several of these gatherings have been met with brutal force, most notably in October 2022, when approximately 200 protesters were killed, and many others sustained injuries or were arrested.

The detention of GCAP officials and the subsequent dissolution of the coalition by the Supreme Court raise serious concerns about the increasing weaponization of the judicial system as a tool for repression. Lawyers representing the detained leaders have condemned their clients’ imprisonment without formal charges. Following a swift trial, they were convicted of criminal association, insurrectional movement, rebellion, and illegal possession of war weapons — accusations vehemently denied by their legal counsel.

Similar to Masra’s case, the trial of the GCAP leaders has sparked widespread indignation among civil society groups and the opposition. It appears to be a clear attempt to restrict public space and further destabilize the political landscape. Expressing deep concern, the United Nations has reiterated the critical importance of respecting freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, in line with Chad’s human rights obligations and international commitments.

Beyond the routine prohibition of protests and the use of the justice system to quell dissenting voices, the deployment of lethal force is increasingly becoming normalized, even in seemingly ordinary situations.

On April 29, activists commemorating the eighth anniversary of the Transformateurs party were subjected to an armed assault. This attack resulted in one fatality, two serious injuries, and the party’s treasurer being abducted and tortured. While the government has pledged to pursue those responsible, such incidents have become disturbingly common in recent years.

The constriction of public space and the suppression of opposition in Chad have intensified since the political transition began in 2021, following the death of President Idriss Déby Itno. The nation risks reverting to a single-party system, reminiscent of the eras under Presidents François Tombalbaye (1960-1975) and Hissène Habré (1982-1990). During those periods, only parties aligned with the ruling power were permitted, functioning primarily as pro-regime propaganda tools and exerting total control over the public sphere.

Under Idriss Déby Itno (1990-2021), elections were perpetually contested, and the Constitution underwent multiple revisions to eliminate presidential term limits.

Both Tombalbaye and Habré ultimately fell victim to coups d’état, while Déby was killed during clashes with rebels attempting to overthrow his rule. These leadership changes, coupled with numerous coup attempts and insurrections, underscore Chad’s enduring history of resorting to force as a means of political change.

Since 1964, merely four years after gaining independence, Chad has been trapped in recurring cycles of deadly conflicts and chronic instability, leaving a profound and lasting impact on its society.

Less than three years after the restoration of constitutional order, Parliament controversially amended the Constitution, despite it having been crafted through an inclusive and sovereign national dialogue. In October 2025, the presidential term was extended to seven years, an undeniable indicator of the ruling party’s determination to dominate the political arena.

Current leaders must reflect on and learn from Chad’s darker historical periods. Beyond simply resuming dialogue between the regime, opposition parties, and civil society, it is imperative to safeguard fundamental freedoms of association and expression. Respect for the separation of powers is also crucial for preserving judicial independence and upholding the rule of law.

Law enforcement agencies must improve their management of demonstrations, employing appropriate and proportionate measures. This requires a revision of crowd control doctrines, enhanced training for officers, and oversight of their operations by independent authorities and human rights organizations.

The frequent and disproportionate use of force, which can turn deadly, is extremely detrimental. It risks provoking violence and radicalizing citizens, particularly the youth, with a high potential for escalation during confrontations.

Given the government’s firm stance, the adoption of such reforms appears unlikely. In the absence of credible dissenting voices within Chad, regional and international organizations must once again advocate for dialogue. This includes the African Union, the Economic Community of Central African States, and the United Nations, all of whom supported the transition and the return to constitutional order.

While the concern expressed by the UN is a positive step, more proactive advocacy with Chadian partners would undoubtedly yield greater results.