Chad: Opposition Leader Arrested

New York — Arrest of Succès Masra Highlights Shrinking Political Space

Chadian authorities arrested Succès Masra, a former prime minister, on May 16, 2025. He is the leader of Chad's main opposition party, Les Transformateurs. Human Rights Watch reported that he was taken from his home in N'Djamena.

Masra's arrest raises concerns about increasing harassment of political opponents. If there are no credible charges against him, he should be released quickly.

"Succès Masra and his party have the right to express their opinions freely," said Lewis Mudge from Human Rights Watch. "Instead, Chadian authorities use arrests to suppress peaceful dissent."

A witness reported that security forces arrived at Masra's residence around 6 a.m. Party members confirmed that he is being held by judicial police in N'Djamena and has access to lawyers.

Public prosecutor Oumar Mahamat Kedelaye stated that Masra was arrested after deadly clashes in Logone Occidental province. These clashes resulted in 42 deaths on May 14. Authorities accuse Masra of inciting hatred through social media posts related to the violence.

However, after the clashes, Masra expressed condolences for the victims. He stated that "no Chadian's life should be taken for granted."

Intercommunal violence has worsened in southern Chad over recent years. Clashes between herders and farmers are common but have become more severe.

Masra faced threats before the May 2024 elections against then-transitional president Gen. Mahamat Idriss Déby. After Déby's victory, he ended a transitional period following his father's death while fighting an armed group.

The current government shows little tolerance for debate or dissent regarding Chad's past.

The crackdown on freedom of expression has sometimes been violent. After Idriss Déby Itno’s re-election in 2021 and subsequent death, security forces used excessive force against protests.

During these protests, several demonstrators were killed or injured by live ammunition. Authorities detained activists and opposition members while journalists covering events were beaten.

On October 20, 2022, security forces fired live ammunition at protesters again. Many were killed or injured as they fled into their homes; hundreds were arrested and sent to Koro Toro prison far from N'Djamena.

Some detainees died during transport due to lack of water. At Koro Toro prison, many suffered abuse and torture from other inmates.

In October 2023, dozens of Les Transformateurs members were arrested ahead of a constitutional referendum allowing Mahamat Déby to run as a candidate.

The lead-up to the May 2024 presidential elections also saw violence. On February 28, security forces killed Yaya Dillo during an attack on his party’s headquarters in N'Djamena.

More than a year later, authorities have not clarified Dillo's death circumstances.

"The Chadian government should engage with political opposition instead of using intimidation," Mudge said. "They must release Masra if there are no valid charges."