Chadian supreme court upholds succ_s masra’s 20-year sentence

Chad’s highest judicial authority, the Supreme Court, confirmed on Thursday, May 21, the 20-year prison sentence against former Prime Minister and leader of the Les Transformateurs party, Succès Masra. The court dismissed his final appeal, solidifying the verdict and immediately eliciting a wave of strong disapproval and disappointment among his dedicated supporters.

In an official statement, Les Transformateurs asserted that the Chadian justice system “missed a historic opportunity” by upholding the decision originally delivered last year against their president. The party vehemently criticized the profoundly political nature of the proceedings.

Through this ruling, Les Transformateurs argue, “the Supreme Court once again affirms the deeply political character of President Masra’s arbitrary detention, which has now spanned 371 days.” They contend that the entire process is designed to neutralize a prominent opposition figure and remove him from the national political landscape.

The opposition party further condemned the judiciary for disregarding numerous international appeals that called for Masra’s release, denounced the perceived injustice, and emphasized adherence to fundamental principles of the rule of law. Furthermore, supporters of the former Chadian Prime Minister expressed grave concerns regarding his health, which they claim has “deteriorated significantly” during his incarceration.

Masra had been found guilty of criminal association and complicity in murder, charges stemming from the tragic Mandakao massacre in May 2025, a village located in the Logone Occidental province. With all national legal avenues now exhausted, Masra’s legal team is reportedly preparing to pursue his case before international jurisdictions.