Former Chadian Prime Minister Succes Masra Allegedly Abducted from Home

Former Prime Minister Succes Masra of Chad was allegedly abducted from his home by military personnel early on May 16, as reported by his party, Les Transformateurs. He had previously been a staunch opponent of President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno. Deby has extended a promised transition to democracy while critics point to flawed elections and increasing authoritarianism.

N’Djamena, Chad – In a troubling turn of events, former Prime Minister Succes Masra has reportedly been abducted from his home, according to officials from his party, Les Transformateurs. The incident occurred early on Friday, May 16, at approximately 5:56 AM. A post shared on Masra’s official Facebook page claims that military personnel forcibly took him from his residence, which doubles as the headquarters for his political party.

The post included an unverified video, showing Masra being escorted from his home by around a dozen armed men clad in military uniforms. This is particularly alarming given Masra’s vocal criticism of President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno and his administration. He previously held the position of prime minister for a short period from January to May 2024.

In last May’s election, Masra faced President Deby, securing 18.5 percent of the vote while Deby garnered 61.3 percent. Despite the loss, Masra proclaimed a moral victory, standing strong against one of Deby’s most formidable regimes. The current president ascended to power following the death of his father, Idriss Deby Itno, who had ruled Chad for the last three decades until his fatal confrontation with rebels in 2021.

Deby’s transition to power was initially promised to last 18 months, but he has since extended it by an additional two years. During this time, many opposition figures have either fled the country, been silenced, or aligned themselves with Deby, creating a precarious political landscape. Notably, a new constitution was approved in December 2023, after Deby’s re-election in May 2024 was met with criticisms from international observers, who deemed the voting process not credible.

The reported abduction of Succes Masra marks a significant escalation in Chad’s political tensions, highlighting the authoritarian grip of President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno’s regime. This incident underscores the risks faced by opposition leaders and raises questions about the country’s commitment to democratic processes. As the situation evolves, the international community watches closely to see how this will impact the already fragile political climate in Chad.

Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com