N’Djamena’s leadership appears set on perpetuating a grim cycle of coups and violent conflicts.
Just two weeks following their apprehension for organizing a protest against governance issues in Chad, eight prominent opposition figures received stiff eight-year prison sentences. Their coalition, the “Groupe de concertation des acteurs politiques” (GCAP), had planned a public demonstration for May 2.
On May 7, the day before their sentencing, the Supreme Court declared the dissolution of GCAP, which had been the nation’s leading opposition coalition. These eight leaders now join Succès Masra, another key opposition figure and head of the Transformateurs party, who was previously handed a twenty-year prison term in August 2025 for “incitement to hatred.”
This marks a significant stride for Chad towards an increasingly authoritarian system. With the silencing of GCAP’s leadership, President Mahamat Idriss Déby’s Patriotic Salvation Movement now faces virtually no credible challenge. The absence of a robust opposition fundamentally undermines Chad’s democratic aspirations.
Public demonstrations have been systematically outlawed for over six years. Several of these gatherings have faced brutal repression, notably in October 2022, when approximately 200 protestors were killed, with many more sustaining injuries or being arrested.
The detention of GCAP officials and the coalition’s dissolution by the Supreme Court raise serious concerns about the judiciary’s increasing role as a tool of state repression. The leaders’ legal counsel condemned their clients’ detention without formal charges. Following a swift trial, they were convicted of criminal conspiracy, insurrectional movement, rebellion, and illegal possession of war weapons — charges their lawyers vehemently dispute.
The apprehension of eight opposition leaders undeniably represents a further slide towards authoritarianism.
Much like Masra’s case, the trial of GCAP’s leaders provoked widespread outrage among civil society and opposition groups. It clearly appears to be a deliberate effort to curtail public space and further destabilize the political landscape. Expressing concern, the United Nations reiterated the critical importance of upholding freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, consistent with Chad’s human rights commitments and international obligations.
Beyond the systematic prohibition of protests and the weaponization of the judicial system to silence dissenting voices, the deployment of lethal force is increasingly becoming normalized, even in seemingly ordinary situations.
On April 29, activists commemorating the eighth anniversary of the Transformateurs party were subjected to an armed assault. This attack resulted in one fatality, two serious injuries, and the abduction and torture of the party’s treasurer. While the government did announce its intention to pursue those responsible, such incidents have regrettably become commonplace in recent years.
The constriction of public space and the suppression of opposition in Chad have escalated markedly since the political transition began in 2021, following the death of President Idriss Déby Itno. The nation risks reverting to a single-party system, reminiscent of the eras under Presidents François Tombalbaye (1960-1975) and Hissène Habré (1982-1990), where only parties favored by the ruling power were permitted, serving as instruments of pro-regime propaganda and controlling public discourse.
During the tenure of Idriss Déby Itno (1990-2021), elections were consistently disputed, and the Constitution underwent multiple revisions to eliminate presidential term limits.
The disproportionate use of force carries the potential to radicalize citizens, particularly the youth.
Both Tombalbaye and Habré ultimately fell victim to coups d’état, while Déby himself was killed during clashes with rebels seeking to overthrow him. These downfalls, alongside numerous coup attempts and insurgencies, underscore Chad’s enduring history of resorting to force as a means of political change.
Since 1964, merely four years post-independence, Chad has endured recurring cycles of deadly conflicts and chronic instability, leaving a profound impact on its society.
Less than three years after the re-establishment of constitutional order, Parliament controversially amended the Constitution—despite it having been crafted through an inclusive and sovereign national dialogue. In October 2025, the presidential term was extended to seven years, another clear indicator of the ruling party’s ambition to consolidate its dominance over the political arena.
Current leaders must critically reflect upon and learn from Chad’s darker historical periods. Beyond re-engaging in dialogue among the regime, opposition parties, and civil society, it is imperative to safeguard fundamental freedoms of association and expression. Respect for the separation of powers remains essential for preserving judicial independence and the rule of law.
Law enforcement agencies need to improve their management of public demonstrations, employing appropriate and proportionate measures. To achieve this, a revision of public order doctrines is necessary, coupled with enhanced training for officers and oversight of their operations by both authorities and human rights organizations.
Regional and international organizations must once again advocate for dialogue.
The recurrent and disproportionate application of force, which can prove lethal, is profoundly detrimental. Such actions risk inciting violence and radicalizing citizens, particularly the youth, potentially leading to a dangerous escalation during confrontations.
Given the government’s unwavering stance, the implementation of these recommendations appears unlikely. With a scarcity of credible dissenting voices within Chad, regional and international bodies—including the African Union, the Economic Community of Central African States, and the United Nations, all of whom supported Chad’s transition and its return to constitutional order—must renew their calls for dialogue.
While the United Nations’ expressed concern is a positive step, more impactful would be direct advocacy with Chad’s international partners.
