Former Chadian Prime Minister and prominent opposition figure Succès Masra has been sentenced to 20 years in prison and fined 1 billion CFA francs (approximately $1.6 million) after being convicted of disseminating “hateful and xenophobic messages” and complicity in murder. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a deadly intercommunal conflict in Mandakao in May.
The verdict, delivered on Saturday, has drawn sharp criticism from Masra’s legal team, who denounced the trial as politically motivated and based on “empty files.” His lawyers called the sentence a “humiliation” for their client.
The case is linked to the Mandakao massacre, an outbreak of violence reportedly fueled by ethnic tensions. Alongside Masra, 74 others faced trial in connection with the incident, with 64 of them also receiving 20-year prison sentences, according to reports.
Observers and human rights groups have raised concerns over the fairness of the proceedings, suggesting that the charges against Masra—a key opposition voice—may be an attempt to silence dissent. The Chadian government has not yet issued an official response to these allegations.
Masra, who once served as prime minister before becoming a vocal critic of the current administration, has long been a polarizing figure in Chadian politics. His sentencing marks a significant escalation in the government’s crackdown on opposition figures.
As the case continues to draw international scrutiny, questions remain over due process and the broader implications for political freedom in Chad.
