Chad’s Former Prime Minister Succes Masra Reportedly Abducted by Military Forces
Succes Masra, former Prime Minister of Chad, was allegedly abducted from his home by military forces early Friday morning, according to his party. This event occurs within a tense political climate following a controversial election in which he was a significant opponent of President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno. Masra’s abduction raises serious concerns about political freedom in Chad.
In a dramatic turn of events, Chad’s former Prime Minister, Succes Masra, was reportedly taken by military forces from his residence early Friday morning. His party, Les Transformateurs, confirmed the incident via social media. According to their post, Masra was abducted at precisely 5:56 AM from his home, which also functions as the party’s headquarters.
Accompanying the post was an unverified video showing Masra being escorted from his home by a group of approximately a dozen armed men dressed in military uniforms. This sudden action highlights the growing tensions within Chad’s political landscape, particularly against the backdrop of Masra’s vocal criticism of the current regime.
Masra served as Chad’s Prime Minister from January to May 2024 and was a significant contender in the presidential election last May. During that election, he garnered 18.5 percent of the votes compared to incumbent President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno’s 61.3 percent, but Masra controversially claimed victory nonetheless. His opposition to Deby has been staunch, marking him as one of the president’s most formidable adversaries.
Deby, who ascended to power after the death of his father, Idriss Deby Itno, faced allegations of extending his rule beyond the promised transition to democracy. Initially proclaimed as the transitional president by military leaders in 2021, Deby pledged to return the country to democratic governance within 18 months; however, this was later lengthened by an additional two years.
The political climate in Chad remains fraught as opposition figures have either fled the country, been silenced, or aligned themselves with Deby. Following a controversial constitutional referendum in December 2023, Deby was re-elected in a vote that international observers deemed lacking in credibility. The abduction of Masra is likely to escalate concerns regarding political oppression in the country.
The reported abduction of Succes Masra raises serious alarms about the state of political freedom in Chad. His history of opposing President Deby’s regime and the questionable legitimacy of recent elections underscore a climate of intimidation and suppression. As the situation unfolds, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing those who dare to challenge the status quo in Chad.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
