Chad’s Former Prime Minister Succes Masra Reportedly Abducted by Military
Former Prime Minister Succes Masra was abducted from his home in N’Djamena on May 16 by military forces. The incident escalates concerns about political repression in Chad, where opposition figures face silencing. Masra, a critical voice against President Mahamat Idriss Deby, had recently contested in disputed elections. His abduction is viewed as a troubling signal for political dissent in the country.
N’Djamena – In a troubling development for Chad’s political climate, former Prime Minister Succes Masra was reportedly abducted from his home on Friday, May 16, 2024. His political party, Les Transformateurs (The Transformers), announced the incident in a post on their official Facebook account early in the morning, stating that he was taken by military personnel. The post noted the time of the abduction as 5:56 AM, indicating a coordinated and assertive operation.
The situation surrounding Masra’s abduction is alarming. An unverified video circulated alongside the Facebook post allegedly shows him leaving his residence amidst a group of around a dozen armed men dressed in military uniforms. This direct action raises significant concerns about the safety of political dissenters in the country.
Masra’s political career was marked by his strong opposition to the ruling authorities in Chad. He served as prime minister from January to May 2024, during which time he faced President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno in the presidential elections held last May. Masra received 18.5% of the vote, starkly contrasting with Deby’s 61.3%, although Masra controversially claimed victory despite the vote count.
Deby ascended to the presidency in 2021, following the death of his father, Idriss Deby Itno, who had held power for 30 years. While Deby initially promised an 18-month transitional government leading to democratic elections, he extended that period by two additional years. This stretch has seen numerous opposition figures silenced, imprisoned, or in exile, further consolidating Deby’s grip on power.
The political landscape in Chad became even more complex after a new constitution passed in a referendum in December 2023. Following this, Deby was elected president again in May 2024, though many international observers have raised serious concerns about the credibility of this election process. Many in the region fear that Masra’s abduction signifies a larger crackdown on dissent and signals a dark turn for political freedoms in Chad.
The abduction of former Prime Minister Succes Masra reinforces the growing concerns around the political climate in Chad. Criticism against President Mahamat Idriss Deby and his government has intensified, as opposition figures face increasing threats. Masra’s fate remains uncertain, and the implications of his abduction could reverberate through Chad’s already fractured political landscape, especially as the government tightens its grip on power further.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
