Chad's former prime minister, Succès Masra, has been apprehended for allegedly inciting violence through social media during recent clashes in the country, sparking outrage from his party and concerns over political repression.
Former Chad Prime Minister Detained Amid Violent Clashes and Controversial Election Claims
Former Chad Prime Minister Detained Amid Violent Clashes and Controversial Election Claims
Succès Masra, a vocal opponent of President Mahamat Déby, was arrested in connection with deadly clashes that left over 40 dead, with tensions stemming from last year's disputed elections.
Chad's former prime minister and opposition figure, Succès Masra, has been detained following violent clashes in the southwestern region of the country that resulted in at least 42 fatalities, according to a public prosecutor’s statements. The authorities allege that Masra is involved in inciting hatred through social media linked to the recent unrest.
Masra's party, the Transformers, claimed he was "kidnapped" by military personnel early Thursday morning and condemned his arrest as being conducted "outside of any known judicial procedure." A prominent critic of the current president, Mahamat Déby, Masra disputes the official election results from last year, asserting he was robbed of victory despite official reports showing Déby receiving 61% of the vote.
The violent incidents occurred in the village of Mandakao, located in the Logone Occidental province near Chad's border with Cameroon. Prosecutor Oumar Mahamat Kedelaye detailed that inciting messages urging citizens to arm against one another were shared on social platforms, intensifying the violence. While the direct cause of the clashes remains uncertain, sources suggest they may have arisen from a land dispute between local Ngambaye farmers and Fulani herdsmen, who have been accused of encroaching on farmland.
In addition to Masra's arrest, over 80 others have also been detained in relation to the clashes. Masra had briefly served as the interim prime minister of a transitional government from January to May 2024. His political party had boycotted December's legislative elections amidst concerns regarding the electoral legitimacy.
Chad has been under the rule of the Déby family for more than 30 years, with the military installing Mahamat Déby as leader following the death of his father, Idriss Déby Itno, in 2021 amidst rebel attacks.
