Chad: Political Opponents Freed

Click to expand Image Demonstrators in Paris, France wave Chadian flags during a rally calling for the release of Succès Masra, May 31, 2025. © 2025 Umit Donmez / Anadolu via AFP (New York) – The Chadian authorities should vacate or set aside the conviction of Succès Masra, the former Chadian prime minister and main opposition leader, Human Rights Watch said today. Masra was released from prison on August 15, 2026, after receiving a presidential pardon. His pardon and those of eight other political opponents led to their release from prison. However, their convictions for conduct that was legitimate political expression still stand and need to be set aside so they can continue to participate in politics. “The release of Masra and other political opponents is good news,” said Lewis Mudge, Central Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “But to be clear, Masra was arrested on trumped-up charges in an attempt to silence him. The Chadian authorities should go beyond the presidential pardon and ensure that his conviction is set aside.” Masra, who served as Chad’s prime minister from January to May 2024, was arrested on May 16, 2025, after running against then-transitional President Maham