Chad’s supreme court upholds 20-year sentence for succès masra

The Supreme Court of Chad has finalized the 20-year prison sentence handed down to opposition leader Succès Masra, closing the chapter on a high-profile judicial case that has gripped the nation.

On a recent Thursday, the country’s highest court dismissed the appeal filed by Masra, who previously served as Prime Minister, effectively ratifying the August 9, 2025 ruling. The verdict, now irreversible, stems from charges related to the Mandakao massacre, where he and over 70 co-defendants were found guilty of spreading racist and xenophobic messages, forming a criminal association, and complicity in murder.

Despite vigorous defense efforts led by attorney Kadjilembaye Francis, the Supreme Court upheld the conviction, leaving no legal recourse within Chad’s judicial system. Unless granted a presidential pardon, Masra will serve the full duration of his sentence, marking a decisive moment in the country’s political and legal landscape.

Supporters and party members from Les Transformateurs have condemned the ruling as a miscarriage of justice, vowing to explore international avenues for appeal. Legal experts suggest that any remaining options would involve escalating the case to regional or global judicial bodies—though success remains uncertain.

The decision underscores the government’s firm stance against dissent, particularly from prominent political figures, and sets a precedent for future cases involving national security and public order.