Chad Court Jails Former PM and Opposition Leader for 20 Years

Judicial Verdict: Chad’s Former Prime Minister Sentenced

Case Overview

• Defendant: Success Masra – chief critic of President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno
• Charges: Hate speech, xenophobia, incitement to massacre
• Sentence: 20‑year prison term imposed on Saturday in N’Djamena

Massacre Context

On May 14, a violent clash in Mandakao, southwestern Chad, resulted in 42 fatalities, predominantly women and children. The trial grounded the conviction on alleged involvement in the inter‑communal violence.

Court’s Recommendation

The state prosecutor initially sought a 25‑year sentence before the final verdict was delivered.

Defense Argument

Lead lawyer Francis Kadjilembaye asserted that the prosecution relied on an “empty dossier” and made assumptions without concrete evidence, describing the process as weaponization of the judicial system.

Masra’s Political Trajectory

Background

• Origin: Ngambaye ethnic group from southern Chad
• Popularity: Widely supported by Christian and animist communities feeling marginalized by the Muslim‑dominated regime in the capital

Legal Proceedings

Masra was arrested on May 16, two days after the May 14 violence, and charged with incitement of hatred, revolt, formation and complicity with armed gangs, along with murder, arson, and desecration of graves. Nearly 70 other men faced trial for participation in the killings.

Opposition Status

After an amnesty agreement in 2024, Masra returned to Chad following a 2022 crackdown on his followers.

Economic Training

Educated as an economist in France and Cameroon, Masra served as prime minister from January to May of last year after a reconciliation deal with Deby.

2024 Presidential Election

Election Results

• Masra’s Vote Share: 18.5%
• Deby’s Vote Share: 61.3%
• Masra’s Claim: Overstated victory against Deby

May 14 Clashes: Root Cause

A local source indicated that the killings stemmed from a dispute between Fulani herders and Ngambaye farmers over grazing and farming land demarcation.

Pastoralist‑Farmer Conflicts

The International Crisis Group estimates that conflicts between pastoralists and sedentary farmers caused more than 1,000 deaths and 2,000 injuries in Chad between 2021 and 2024.

Hunger Strike

Masra went on a month‑long hunger strike in jail during June, as reported by his lawyers.