Concerns are rising over the health of former Chadian Prime Minister (PM) Succès Masra, who is reportedly worsening while in detention.
Masra, a prominent opposition figure who briefly served under transitional President Mohammed Idriss Déby, was arrested earlier this month following post-election unrest and allegations of inciting instability.
Human rights organisations and Masra’s supporters are calling for urgent medical attention and his release, warning that keeping him in detention risks further inflaming tensions in the fragile Sahel nation.
Dr Hoinathy Remadji, senior researcher and project lead for Central Africa and the Lake Chad Basin at the Institute for Security Studies, tsaid that there are conflicting accounts about Masra’s condition.
“Masra has been held for over three months, but not in a standard prison. He is under the custody of judiciary police officers,” Remadji explained. “His supporters and doctor say the conditions are inadequate and that his health is deteriorating because he is not receiving proper care.”
The government disputes these claims, saying Masra has undergone a medical examination and is fit, with no need for evacuation.
Reports from within Masra’s political party suggest he is indeed suffering and needs provisional release to access proper medical treatment.
Observers note that Masra’s arrest comes amid a broader squeeze on political freedoms in Chad. “There has been increasing pressure on the media, intimidation of journalists, and targeting of opposition leaders,” Remadji said. “Masra’s detention is part of this pattern of shrinking political space.”
The government claims Masra incited a violent conflict in southern Chad, citing an audio recording as evidence. Critics point out that the recording dates back two years, raising questions about the validity of the charges.
Masra’s fall-out with the ruling leadership followed the 2024 presidential election, when he emerged as a leading challenger to Déby. According to Remadji, “The tension escalated during the campaign, as Masra’s growing popularity became a political threat.”
Experts also view the case as part of a wider trend towards authoritarian consolidation in the Sahel. “Chad has extended presidential terms without a referendum and increased pressure on political freedoms,” Remadji noted.
–ChannelAfrica–
