Chad's Former PM Arrested Amid Violence, Sparking Outcry

The arrest of former Chad Prime Minister Succès Masra over alleged links to recent deadly clashes has ignited controversy, with his party labeling the action as a "kidnapping" by military officials. As tensions rise following violent disputes in the region, concerns about political oppression and the legitimacy of Chad's government deepen.

Chad's former Prime Minister and prominent opposition leader, Succès Masra, has been taken into custody amid allegations of involvement in violence that erupted in southwestern Chad. According to public prosecutor Oumar Mahamat Kedelaye, Masra is facing accusations of inciting hate through social media platforms, which allegedly contributed to the clashes that resulted in at least 42 fatalities.

Masra's party, the Transformers, has declared that he was "kidnapped" by military personnel early in the morning, condemning his capture as an unlawful act disconnected from any recognized judicial framework. Known for his fierce criticism of President Mahamat Déby, Masra claimed to have triumphed over the current leader in last year's elections, which were officially reported to have been won by Déby with 61% of the vote.

The violent outburst occurred in the village of Mandakao, Logone Occidental province, near the border with Cameroon. Kedelaye noted that inflammatory messages were circulated online, urging locals to prepare for conflict against fellow citizens. While the exact origin of the violence remains ambiguous, some reports suggest it may have stemmed from a land dispute between the Ngambaye farming community and Fulani herdsmen, who have increasingly clashed over land use in recent times.

In connection with the unrest, authorities have also detained over 80 individuals. Masra had a brief tenure as interim prime minister during Chad's transitional government from January to May 2024 and his party boycotted recent legislative elections amid concerns regarding electoral integrity. The Déby family has maintained power in Chad for more than thirty years, following the military's ascent after the assassination of Idriss Déby Itno, the former president, by rebel forces in 2021.