Justice Tchad manipulation opposition political leaders detained

The Patriotes party has raised the alarm over what it describes as a blatant politicization of justice in Chad following the sentencing of eight political leaders from the GCAP coalition. In a press briefing held in N’Djaména, Hisseine Abdoulaye, spokesperson for Les Patriotes, condemned the deteriorating political and security climate in the country.

Multiple crises fueling instability

The party highlighted the escalating violence in the Lake Chad basin, where Boko Haram attacks have intensified against Chadian forces. It also pointed to intercommunal clashes in the east, particularly in the Wadi Fira region, where dozens have lost their lives. These security failures, according to the party, underscore the government’s inability to protect its citizens and maintain stability.

Political repression under scrutiny

Les Patriotes accused authorities of tightening their grip on power through authoritarian measures, citing the killing of Yaya Dillo and the imprisonment of Succès Masra. The recent eight-year prison sentences handed down to the eight GCAP leaders were condemned as an attempt to silence dissent and weaken the opposition. The party alleged that these trials were rushed through the judicial system, with prosecutors, the Ministry of Territorial Administration, and the Supreme Court allegedly coordinating to dismantle the dissolved coalition.

Questionable evidence and fabricated charges

The Patriotes rejected the accusations leveled against the condemned leaders, including illegal assembly, conspiracy, insurrection, rebellion, and illegal weapons possession. They argued that the charges lacked credible evidence and described some of the allegations as fabricated. The party demanded an immediate and unconditional release of all detained opposition figures, calling for transparency in the judicial process.

International attention and calls for unity

In a bold move, the party urged international bodies, human rights organizations, and advocates of the rule of law to intervene and monitor the case closely. It also appealed to citizens to mobilize peacefully, engage in dialogue, and prioritize national unity to prevent further political and security deterioration. The Patriotes stressed the urgency of restoring democratic values and safeguarding the country’s fragile stability.