Tchad facing alarming political and security crisis says opposition party

Opposition party condemns “alarming” political and security turmoil in Chad

The Patriotic Party (« Les Patriotes ») held a press conference on May 13 at its headquarters in N’Djamena’s Bololo district, 2nd arrondissement. Party spokesperson Hisseine Abdoulaye described the current situation as a « chaotic politico-security climate » and condemned the alleged unjust sentencing of eight opposition leaders from the former Political Actors Consultation Group (GCAP).

Escalating violence fuels instability

The party highlights Chad’s deepening instability, driven by a resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in Lac Province and a surge in intercommunal clashes across eastern and southern regions. Recent military operations in Barka Tolorom and Kaïga Kindjiria reportedly resulted in 23 soldier fatalities. Meanwhile, tribal violence in Wadi Fira—fueled by the flow of weapons from Sudan—has claimed over 40 lives.

Political repression under scrutiny

Politically, « Les Patriotes » accuses authorities of suppressing dissent, citing the death of Yaya Dillo, the detention of Succès Masra, and the Supreme Court’s dissolution of the GCAP. The party also condemns restrictions on public freedoms and growing press censorship, framing these measures as part of a broader strategy to silence opposition voices.

The eight GCAP leaders—including Nassour Ibrahim Koursami, president of « Les Patriotes »—were sentenced to eight years in prison on April 25 after their arrest at the PAP/JS headquarters without warrants, according to the party. Charges of illegal assembly, criminal association, insurrection, rebellion, and unlawful arms possession were allegedly unsupported by tangible evidence.

« Patriotic Party » officials allege that the prosecutor, territorial administration minister, and Supreme Court president orchestrated a rushed legal process to neutralize political rivals. The party demands the immediate, unconditional release of the condemned leaders and urges international observers to scrutinize the case closely.

A call for nationwide mobilization

In closing, Hisseine Abdoulaye urged citizens to rally against what he termed a « political farce » aimed at undermining democracy. Quoting George Orwell, he declared: « Tyrants fear truth because truth cannot be controlled. »