Tchad: opposition leader Succès Masra denied appeal, remains jailed

The Supreme Court of Chad has upheld the conviction of former Prime Minister and opposition leader Succès Masra, who will continue to serve his sentence following the rejection of his appeal on May 21. The decision was delivered in the capital, N’Djamena, amid heightened political tensions in the country.

Appeal rejected: Succès Masra’s sentence stands

Following the Supreme Court’s decision, Succès Masra will remain behind bars after his legal team’s arguments were dismissed. « Despite presenting a robust defense, the court chose to uphold the original ruling, » stated his lawyer, Me Francis Kadjilembaye.

The former Prime Minister was arrested in May 2025 and sentenced in August of the same year to 20 years in prison for « spreading hateful and xenophobic messages » and « complicity in murder. » His legal team continues to challenge the charges, calling the trial politically motivated.

Human rights organizations condemn the ruling

Human Rights Watch has described the trial as a « politically driven process, » raising concerns about the government’s intolerance of dissent. On the day of the verdict, heavy security surrounded the court in N’Djamena, and several journalists were reportedly denied access to the proceedings.

A nation under political pressure

This decision comes at a time of escalating political unrest in Chad. Earlier this month, eight opposition figures were handed eight-year prison sentences, including charges of insurrection. Authorities also dissolved the country’s main opposition coalition just days before these rulings. Opposition parties have repeatedly accused the government of intimidation and banning public demonstrations.

In late April, a member of Succès Masra’s party, Les Transformateurs, was killed by police during a protest demanding the opposition leader’s release.

From opposition to Prime Minister and back to prison

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