Succès Masra’s sister appeals for urgent medical care amid ongoing detention

For over a year now, opposition figure Succès Masra has remained behind bars in Chad. Following his arrest, the former Prime Minister was handed a 20-year prison sentence for allegedly triggering intercommunal violence in southern Chad in 2023 through a broadcasted message. As leader of his party, the Transformers, Masra secured second place in the 2024 presidential election with 18% of the vote. His detention has sparked widespread outcry, with his sister, Chancelle Masra, now based in France, speaking out on his behalf.

What is the current condition of your brother?

Chancelle Masra: He remains unjustly imprisoned and in poor health. Official reports confirm his deteriorating condition. Medical attention is urgently needed, but Chad’s healthcare system cannot provide the necessary treatment. He has been held without valid evidence or witnesses, making this a clear case of injustice.

Has he been diagnosed with any medical issues?

Yes, doctors have confirmed he suffers from severe respiratory problems. These findings come from medical professionals, not just my concern as his sister. Further diagnostic tests are essential, but Chad lacks the capacity to conduct them.

Where exactly is he being held in N’Djaména?

He is confined within a military facility, locked in a cramped 15-square-meter room with no natural light since May 16, 2025. The space houses a police judicial coordination office, where he remains without a bed, proper conditions, or outdoor access.

Has he been granted any visitation rights?

After prolonged advocacy, doctors and lawyers have been permitted to see him, though access requires special authorization. My mother has been able to visit him occasionally.

Is he allowed any communication with the outside world?

No. All of his electronic devices—phone, laptop—were confiscated at the time of his arrest. He has no contact with his daughter, wife, or me.

Has there been any contact from political authorities?

Not to my knowledge. I have no information suggesting any communication between him and Chad’s leadership.

How does his legal team view his conviction for inciting violence?

The case against him is baseless. There is no evidence, no testimonies, and no legal grounds to support the claim that he incited communal violence. Since founding his party in 2018, he has consistently promoted dialogue over confrontation. He even signed a peace accord with the government in 2023, declined his Prime Minister’s salary as a gesture of commitment, and organized peaceful marches. Detaining a nonviolent leader will not resolve tensions—it only deepens them.

Has he appealed his conviction?

Yes, an appeal has been filed. However, no date for the hearing has been set. The silence surrounding the process is alarming. Incarcerating an innocent man indefinitely without proof is a grave injustice.

The European Union has publicly urged Chad to uphold human rights in this case, a stance we deeply appreciate.

In a recent message marking his party’s eighth anniversary, Masra called on President Mahamat Idriss Déby to correct a judicial error. Do you believe this is likely?

This is not just a family concern—it is a matter of justice and democracy. A fair and transparent legal system must not be weaponized against peaceful opponents. Masra has never advocated violence; he has always sought solutions through dialogue. His continued detention undermines Chad’s democratic values.

Recent political tensions have escalated, including the imprisonment of eight opposition members from the GCAP coalition for organizing a peaceful march. How does this affect your view of Chad’s political climate?

As a young citizen, I am deeply troubled by this trend. A true democracy thrives on open debate and dissent. When opponents are jailed for exercising their right to peaceful assembly, the foundations of democracy crumble. All voices, not just those in power, must be heard.

Government officials argue that opposition figures are represented in Parliament and that imprisonment stems from legal violations, not political repression. How do you respond?

I am here today to speak about my brother’s unlawful detention, not political theory. His case exemplifies how justice is being misused. While I welcome the opportunity to discuss broader geopolitical issues another time, today’s focus remains on securing his freedom and dignity.

Some prominent members of his party have joined the government, including former Vice President Sitack Yombatina, now Minister of Higher Education, and former Secretary-General Moustapha Masri, now Secretary General of the Presidency. Does this discourage your brother?

Not at all. Succès Masra has always inspired thousands of supporters across Chad and the diaspora. When he served as Prime Minister, many expatriates returned to contribute to the nation’s development. Two departures do not reflect the strength of his movement. His vision and integrity remain unshaken.

Do you believe international pressure will secure his release?

Absolutely. The global response has been overwhelmingly supportive. Influential figures, international organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, and countless individuals have shown solidarity. This international engagement has been critical in keeping him alive. While I now live freely in France, millions in Chad and across Africa are denied this basic right. Their freedom to speak out must also be restored.

This is not Masra’s first legal battle. After the October 2022 unrest, he fled the country, only returning a year later thanks to mediation by Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi. Have there been new diplomatic efforts by African leaders?

I focus on my brother’s well-being, not political mediation. What I can say is this: Chad’s diplomatic channels matter. The restoration of relations between Chad and France in January 2026 offers a renewed opportunity for dialogue. However, justice and human rights must not be sacrificed in the name of security. Every leader must uphold these principles without exception.