Chad’s democratic backslide: opposition silenced as authoritarianism deepens
The N’Djamena regime appears intent on perpetuating a cycle of coups and violent conflict.
chercheur principal, Afrique centrale et bassin du lac Tchad, ISS
Just two weeks after their apprehension for planning a demonstration against governance issues in Chad, eight prominent opposition figures received an eight-year prison sentence. Their collective, the “Groupe de concertation des acteurs politiques” (GCAP), had scheduled a protest for May 2.
The day prior to their sentencing, on May 7, Chad’s Supreme Court announced the dissolution of GCAP, which stood as the nation’s primary opposition coalition. These eight leaders now join Succès Masra, a leading opposition figure and head of Les Transformateurs party, who was previously sentenced in August 2025 to twenty years imprisonment for “inciting hatred.”
This development marks another significant step the country has taken towards an authoritarian system. With the effective silencing of GCAP leaders, the Patriotic Salvation Movement, the party of President Mahamat Idriss Déby, now faces virtually no credible challenge. Without a robust opposition, Chad’s democratic aspirations risk collapse.
Public demonstrations have been systematically prohibited for over six years. Several of these gatherings have faced brutal repression, most notably in October 2022, when approximately 200 protesters were killed, and many others sustained injuries or were arrested.
The detention of GCAP officials and the coalition’s dissolution by the Supreme Court raise serious concerns regarding the increasing use of the judicial system as a tool for political repression. Lawyers representing the detained leaders contend that their clients were held without formal charges. Following an expedited trial, they were convicted on charges of criminal association, insurrectional movement, rebellion, and illegal possession of war weapons — accusations their legal team vehemently denies.
Similar to Masra’s case, the trial of the GCAP leaders has sparked widespread indignation among civil society groups and the opposition. It appears to be a blatant attempt to curtail public space and further destabilize the political environment. Expressing its concerns, the United Nations reiterated the critical importance of upholding freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, in line with human rights principles and Chad’s international obligations.
Beyond the routine prohibition of protests and the weaponization of the judiciary to suppress dissenting voices, the use of lethal force is increasingly becoming normalized, even in seemingly ordinary situations.
On April 29, activists celebrating the eighth anniversary of Les Transformateurs party were subjected to an armed assault. This attack resulted in one fatality, two severe injuries, and the abduction and torture of the party’s treasurer. While the government announced its intention to prosecute those responsible, such incidents have become disturbingly common in recent years.
The shrinking of public space and the suppression of opposition in Chad have intensified since the political transition began in 2021, following the death of President Idriss Déby Itno. The nation risks reverting to a single-party regime, reminiscent of the eras under Presidents François Tombalbaye (1960-1975) and Hissène Habré (1982-1990). During those periods, only parties favored by the ruling power were permitted, serving as instruments of pro-regime propaganda and dominating the public sphere.
Under Idriss Déby Itno (1990-2021), elections were consistently disputed, and the Constitution underwent multiple revisions to eliminate presidential term limits.
Both Tombalbaye and Habré ultimately fell victim to coups d’état, and Déby himself was killed during clashes with rebels attempting to overthrow him. These turnovers, coupled with numerous coup attempts and insurrections, underscore Chad’s enduring history of resorting to force for political change.
Since 1964, just four years after gaining independence, Chad has endured repeated cycles of deadly conflicts and chronic instability, leaving deep scars on its society.
Less than three years after the restoration of constitutional order, Parliament amended the Constitution, despite it having been forged through an inclusive and sovereign national dialogue. In October 2025, the presidential term was extended to seven years, an undeniable indicator of the ruling party’s desire to solidify its political dominance.
Current leaders must reflect upon and learn from the darker chapters of Chad’s history. Beyond simply resuming dialogue between the regime, opposition parties, and civil society, it is imperative to safeguard fundamental freedoms of association and expression. Respect for the separation of powers is essential to preserving judicial independence and the rule of law.
Law enforcement agencies must improve their management of demonstrations, employing appropriate and proportionate measures. To achieve this, there is an urgent need to revise public order doctrines, enhance officer training, and ensure their operations are monitored by independent authorities and human rights organizations.
The recurrent and disproportionate use of force, which can turn lethal, is highly detrimental. It risks pushing citizens, especially young people, towards violence and radicalization, with a high potential for escalation during confrontations.
Given the government’s firm stance, the adoption of such measures appears unlikely. In the absence of credible dissenting voices within Chad, regional and international organizations must once again advocate for dialogue. This includes, among others, the African Union, the Economic Community of Central African States, and the UN, all of whom supported the transition and the return to constitutional order.
While the UN’s expressed concern is a positive step, more direct advocacy with Chadian partners would likely yield greater results.