Tchad: opposition leader Succès Masra denied bail after appeal

The Supreme Court of Chad has upheld the conviction of former Prime Minister and prominent opposition figure Succès Masra, deepening political tensions in N’Djamena.

Supreme Court upholds harsh sentence for Succès Masra

The appeal filed by Succès Masra was dismissed by Chad’s highest judicial body on May 21, confirming his 20-year prison sentence for allegedly spreading hate speech and xenophobic messages, as well as complicity in murder. One of his defense attorneys, Francis Kadjilembaye, confirmed the ruling, stating, “Despite presenting robust legal arguments, the Supreme Court chose to uphold the conviction.” Masra has been detained since May 2025.

Human rights groups denounce politically motivated trial

Human Rights Watch has criticized the legal proceedings against Masra as a politically motivated prosecution, highlighting the government’s intolerance toward dissent. Security measures around the Supreme Court in N’Djamena were notably heavy, with journalists reportedly denied access to the hearing.

Tensions escalate amid broader crackdown on dissent

This ruling arrives at a time of heightened political unrest in Chad. Earlier this month, eight opposition leaders were sentenced to eight years in prison for insurrection, and the country’s main opposition coalition was dissolved days before these convictions. Opposition figures frequently report intimidation and bans on public protests. In late April, a member of Masra’s party, Les Transformateurs, was killed by police during a demonstration demanding his release.

From opposition to Prime Minister

Succès Masra, an economist trained in France and Cameroon, rose to prominence as a leading critic of President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno before being appointed Prime Minister in 2024. He ran against Déby in the presidential election that same year, officially receiving 18.5% of the vote compared to Déby’s 61.3%. Masra contested the results, claiming victory.