Succès Masra, former Prime Minister of Chad and the opposition leader of the Transformers party, was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. He was found guilty for distributing content deemed as racist and xenophobic, which reportedly provoked acts of violence. The court ruling follows charges against Masra and her 67 fellow defendants. They are connected to a brutal conflict between herders and farmers in Logone Occidental that, according to local sources, caused 35 fatalities and six injured victims.
Masra was briefly Prime Minister in the beginning of the year, from January until May. He has been a strong opponent of Chad’s ruling president, Mahamat Deby. In the first round of the unconstitutional presidential election held in April, Masra ran against Deby, who won more than 61 percent of the vote. Following his loss, Masra in 2024 was allowed to return to Chad due to an amnesty deal. He had escaped the country during a brutal crackdown on his supporters in 2022.
Before departing the courtroom, Masra spoke to his supporters, instructing them to “Stay strong.” His defense lawyer, Kadjilembay Francis, indicated that Masra would appeal the sentence, asserting that his client “has just been subjected to ignominy and unworthy humiliation.” Masra has steadfastly refuted all claims of hate speech, xenophobia and incitement to a massacre.
The court’s decision stems from allegations that Masra’s statements contributed to the violent clashes in May, intensifying tensions between different community groups. The prosecution’s case rested on the claim that his extreme rhetoric stoked the type of violence that resulted in the tragic loss of life. Masra’s defense contended that he was being targeted for his political stance and activism against the current administration.
Transformers’ climate activist leader Masra’s party is making headlines! As joint plaintiffs, they will release an exclusive “special message” later today about the verdict and what it will mean. The court’s arbitrary sentencing has sent shockwaves through the region, signaling dangerous political repression and repression of freedom of expression in Chad. Today, opposition leaders are under increased surveillance by the … Read More .
