Chad’s top court confirms Succès Masra’s two-decade prison term

Succès Masra, a prominent Chadian opposition leader, has had his 20-year prison sentence upheld by the Supreme Court. The decision, delivered on Thursday, definitively closes the chapter on a high-profile case that has gripped the nation’s political landscape.

The ruling follows a cassation appeal filed by Masra, who previously served as Prime Minister under transitional authorities. The Court rejected all arguments presented by his defense team, led by lawyer Kadjilembaye Francis, leaving no legal avenue for further domestic appeals.

The charges stem from events surrounding the Mandakao massacre, where Masra and over 70 co-defendants were found guilty of racist and xenophobic messaging, criminal association, and complicity in murder. The prosecution argued that inflammatory rhetoric incited violence, while the defense maintained the case was politically motivated.

With no further recourse in Chad’s judicial system, Masra’s legal team may now explore international avenues, including regional or global courts, to challenge the verdict. Political allies of the opposition leader have condemned the ruling as an affront to justice, calling it a setback for democratic freedoms in the country.

Unless granted a presidential pardon, Masra will serve the full term, marking the end of a prolonged legal battle that has divided public opinion in Chad.