Chad’s ex-premier handed 20-year sentence in landmark case
The official himself denies all accusations (Photo: Getty Images)
On Saturday, the criminal court of Chad sentenced the country’s former prime minister and opposition leader, Succès Masra, to 20 years in prison, according to the Associated Press.
The outlet reports that Masra received a 20-year sentence on charges including incitement to hatred and rebellion, as well as complicity in murder. The charges followed a deadly clash between herders and farmers in May.
In addition to the 20-year prison term, the former prime minister was fined nearly $1.8 million. Before leaving the courtroom, Masra addressed his supporters, urging them to remain resilient.
Additionally, after the trial, the politician announced that he would appeal the verdict.
What preceded this
In May, a deadly clash occurred in the Western Logone region (southwest Chad) between herders and farmers, resulting in 35 deaths and 6 injuries.
Authorities accused Masra and 67 of his supporters, mostly from his ethnic group, the Ngambaye, of organizing or inciting the clash, as well as rebellion, incitement to hatred, and complicity in murder.
Masra denies all charges and considers the trial politically motivated.
Masra served as prime minister for only a few months in 2024 before becoming a vocal critic of President Mahamat Déby, who came to power after the death of his father, who ruled for 30 years. Masra also opposed this year’s presidential elections, in which Déby was victorious.
