Following the harsh eight-year prison sentences handed to eight Tchadian opposition leaders, Alifa Younous Mahamat, coordinator of the Parti socialiste sans frontières (PSF) in France and Europe, has condemned what he describes as a deliberate campaign to silence political dissent under President Mahamat Idriss Déby’s regime.

Listen to Alifa Younous Mahamat’s statement

political justice weaponized against dissent

Eight leaders from opposition parties within the Groupe de concertation des acteurs politiques (GCAP), Tchad’s largest opposition coalition, were sentenced to eight years in prison in N’Djamena. Mahamat strongly condemned these arbitrary arrests and verdicts, stating, « This case exposes Tchad’s alarming slide into dictatorship, where fear and repression enforce a single narrative ». The arrests occurred just days before a planned protest march, which authorities had banned.

systematic silencing of opposing voices

For Mahamat, the imprisonment of GCAP leaders is part of a broader strategy to eliminate credible opposition. « Any dissenting voice is crushed without exception », he asserts, describing a political environment increasingly devoid of freedom. He highlights severe restrictions on fundamental rights: « Opposition parties cannot freely express themselves, organize, or assemble — basic democratic freedoms are systematically denied ». This latest crackdown follows the 20-year prison sentence imposed on Succès Masra, a prominent opposition figure and former Prime Minister, nearly a year ago.

diaspora amplifies opposition calls for international action

From his base in France and Europe, Mahamat stresses the critical role of the Tchadian diaspora in keeping global attention on the crisis. « We give voice to those silenced at home », he explains, noting ongoing efforts to engage international institutions and human rights organizations. « The international community must take a firm stand », he urges.

France and europe mobilize for political freedom in Tchad

Mahamat also reveals meetings with French political leaders to highlight Tchad’s deteriorating situation. « We’ve engaged with French deputies and senators, including representatives from La France insoumise », he says. « We even met with their leader, Jean-Luc Mélenchon ». For the exiled opposition, international mobilization remains a vital tool in countering the hardening stance of Mahamat Idriss Déby’s government.