Protests in Chad call for release of opposition leader Succes Masra

Hundreds of people gathered in N’Djamena to demand the release of opposition leader Succes Masra, who has been detained for nearly a year, according to a report published by Africanews via AFP on 30 April. The demonstration took place at the headquarters of Les Transformateurs (Transformers), the country’s largest opposition party, as it marked its eighth anniversary.

The gathering highlighted the strong support Masra continues to receive, particularly among younger citizens, who made up the majority of demonstrators and showed their commitment despite difficult weather conditions and the tense political climate.

Most of the protesters gathered despite intense heat, holding signs and calling for Masra’s release. He is considered one of the main critics of President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno and remains a central figure in the country’s political opposition.

During the rally, the party’s secretary-general, Ngagorngar Tog‑Yeum, described Succes Masra as an “innocent man” who had been deprived of his basic rights for representing the hopes of the people. He also called for the release of several other opposition figures linked to the GCAP movement who have been arrested in recent days, stating that they should not be in prison.

Succes Masra was sentenced in August to 20 years in prison by a court in N’Djamena. He was found guilty of charges including hate speech, xenophobia and inciting violence, in connection with intercommunal clashes in May that left 42 people dead.

Before his arrest, Masra had built a reputation as a strong opponent of the government. Despite this, he was appointed prime minister just months before the 2024 presidential election. He later ran against Deby in the vote, officially receiving 18.5 percent of the ballots compared to the president’s 61.3 percent, although Masra claimed victory.

The protest highlights ongoing political tensions in Chad, where opposition groups continue to challenge the government and call for greater political freedoms.

Africanews via AFP, Maghrebi.org