RAJET urges president to restore democratic freedoms by freeing imprisoned opposition figures
In a bold appeal addressed to President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, Ordjei Abderahim Chaha, president of the Rassemblement pour la Justice et l’Égalité au Tchad (RAJET), has urgently called for the immediate release of detained leaders from the former Groupe d’Action pour la Démocratie (GCAP) and the Les Transformateurs party.
The missive, penned with unmistakable urgency, argues that prolonged detention of these political figures is not only eroding public trust in the justice system but is also undermining the very foundations of Chadian democracy. According to the RAJET president, their continued incarceration casts a long shadow over the nation’s democratic reputation, creating an atmosphere of repression rather than reform.
« Embracing opposition in all its forms is the hallmark of political maturity, » Chaha asserted in his letter. He emphasized that opposition voices are not mere obstacles but essential ingredients that enrich the democratic process, infusing it with vitality and ensuring genuine political freedom. « A society thrives when it welcomes dissent, » he added, warning that stifling opposition could extinguish democratic aspirations, leaving behind a landscape of authoritarianism.
Highlighting the dangers of suppressing dissent, he cautioned that such actions risk transforming democracy into a hollow shell, devoid of substance and vitality. Chaha urged the president to cement his legacy by taking decisive steps toward national reconciliation—starting with the release of all imprisoned opposition figures.
Central to his appeal is the call for an inclusive national dialogue, which he described as a unifying force capable of fostering patriotism and collective healing. He stressed that the detained leaders are not opposed to dialogue but see it as the pathway to peace and sustainable development. « It is through open conversation that the light of progress shines, » he noted.
The RAJET president also issued a stern warning against external influences that distort truth and deepen divisions. « Beware of those who spread malice and discord, » he cautioned, accusing certain advisors of peddling false narratives and misleading reports. These individuals, he argued, act as « gravediggers of the Republic, » undermining national unity for their own agendas.
Concluding with an impassioned plea, Chaha demanded the swift release of all political prisoners so they may participate in the dialogue process and help « heal the nation’s deep wounds. » His message was clear: a true leader listens to all voices, fosters unity, and paves the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
