Opposition coalition condemns politically motivated trials in Chad

Leaders of the Patriotes party held a press briefing in N’Djaména to denounce what they describe as a deliberate misuse of the justice system in Chad. Eight prominent political figures from the GCAP coalition were recently sentenced to eight years in prison, a move the opposition calls a blatant attempt to silence dissent.

Escalating insecurity and political repression fuel tensions

During the press conference, Hisseine Abdoulaye, spokesperson for Les Patriotes, outlined a worsening security and political crisis gripping Chad. The party highlighted alarming trends including the resurgence of attacks by Boko Haram in the Lake Chad basin and violent inter-community clashes in the Wadi Fira region, which have claimed dozens of lives in recent months.

The Patriotes also condemned what they termed an authoritarian crackdown on political opposition, citing the recent eight-year prison sentences handed down to eight GCAP leaders. They argued that the swift judicial proceedings against these figures—accused of illegal assembly, rebellion, and weapons possession—lack credible evidence and appear designed to neutralize political rivals.

The party further alleged that key institutions, including the Office of the Prosecutor General, the Ministry of Territorial Administration, and the Supreme Court, had coordinated efforts to dismantle the GCAP coalition through politically motivated prosecutions.

International observers urged to intervene

Les Patriotes called on international bodies, human rights organizations, and democracy advocates to closely monitor the situation and intervene to secure the immediate and unconditional release of the imprisoned leaders. They warned that the ongoing judicial actions risk deepening political divisions and destabilizing the country further.

The party concluded the briefing by urging citizens to rally for national unity, dialogue, and the defense of democratic principles in Chad.