Chad’s former prime minister and opposition leader arrested for ‘inciting hatred’
3 min read
Chad’s opposition leader Succès Masra arrested amid deadly land dispute clashes; his party claims he was kidnapped and calls for international intervention.
Succès Masra, Chad’s former prime minister and prominent opposition figure, was arrested early Friday morning at his residence in Gassi, a neighborhood in the capital city N’Djamena. The dramatic arrest was captured on surveillance footage, showing armed men leading away the leader of the Transformers political party under unclear legal circumstances.
Authorities say the arrest is linked to recent deadly clashes in the south-western region of Logone-Occidental. Prosecutor Oumar Mahamat Kedelaye announced that Masra is being investigated for allegedly inciting hatred in relation to the violence that broke out on Wednesday.
“Messages were circulated, particularly on social media, calling on people to arm themselves against fellow citizens,” said Kedelaye. He did not provide further details about the messages or concrete evidence directly connecting Masra to them.
The violent clashes in question are believed to have stemmed from a land dispute between herders and local residents. The confrontation left at least 41 people dead and resulted in the detention of more than 80 others. Authorities have not clarified whether those detained were directly involved in the violence or suspected of other offenses.
Masra’s party, The Transformers, strongly condemned his arrest, labeling it a kidnapping and accusing the government of targeting its leadership without due process.
“The Transformers, a party that has always advocated peaceful civic engagement, wishes to express its deep concern over this brutal action,” said Dr. Tog-Yeum Nagorngar, the party’s secretary general. “It was carried out outside of any known legal procedure and in blatant violation of civil and political rights guaranteed by the constitution.”
The party has demanded Masra’s unconditional release and is calling on both national and international human rights organizations to intervene.
Masra, who has long been a vocal critic of President Mahamat Idriss Déby’s administration, came in second in Chad’s 2024 presidential election. He has frequently accused the government of authoritarian practices and has advocated for political reform, transparency, and respect for civil liberties.
His arrest has intensified tensions in a country still grappling with political instability and security challenges. Human rights groups have expressed alarm over what they describe as a troubling pattern of repression against opposition voices in Chad.
“This is a dangerous setback for democracy in Chad,” said one human rights advocate, speaking on condition of anonymity. “If opposition leaders can be detained without clear evidence or legal process, it sends a chilling message to all who dare to challenge the regime.”
In a message relayed through his party shortly before his arrest, Masra urged his supporters to remain calm and avoid confrontation. “We must not answer violence with violence,” he reportedly said. “Our struggle is for a just and peaceful Chad.”
President Mahamat Déby, who took power after the death of his father Idriss Déby in 2021, has faced mounting criticism for his handling of dissent and for extending transitional rule. While he pledged to restore civilian governance and democratic norms, critics argue that his administration has grown increasingly intolerant of opposition voices.
The international community, including the African Union and the United Nations, is now under pressure to respond. Observers are urging diplomatic engagement to ensure Masra’s safety and to hold the Chadian government accountable for upholding human rights.
As news of the arrest spreads, supporters of The Transformers are mobilizing across N’Djamena and beyond, organizing peaceful demonstrations and calling for Masra’s release.
About The Author
