Former Prime Minister of Chad, Succès Masra, known for his vocal opposition to the ruling government, has been arrested in relation to violent clashes that occurred in the southwestern region of the country. The public prosecutor alleged that Masra is implicated in inciting hatred through social media, which is believed to have contributed to unrest resulting in at least 42 deaths. His party described the arrest as a "kidnapping" orchestrated by military personnel, asserting it was conducted without proper legal procedure. The incident stems from a violent dispute, reportedly over land between local farmers and Fulani herders, with the backdrop of increasing tensions over resource access. More than 80 other individuals have been detained in connection with this unrest. Masra briefly held the role of interim prime minister in 2024 and has accused the current regime of electoral manipulation, raising concerns about political freedom under the long-standing Déby rule.
Chad's Former Prime Minister Arrested in Connection to Violence

Chad's Former Prime Minister Arrested in Connection to Violence
Succès Masra's detention follows deadly clashes that resulted in over 40 fatalities, raising questions about political dissent in Chad.
Succès Masra's Arrest Raises Tensions in Chad
Chad’s former PM detained for alleged role in deadly clashes, provoking backlash from opposition.
As tensions escalate in Chad, the arrest of Succès Masra highlights the ongoing struggles for political power and stability. The reported clashes in Logone Occidental province, which left at least 42 people dead, erupted from a land dispute, reflecting a broader pattern of violence exacerbated by political and ethnic divides. The former prime minister’s detention has sparked outrage among his supporters and questions about the legitimacy of the current government led by President Mahamat Déby. Masra has consistently been a critic of Déby’s regime, asserting that his own electoral victory last year was stolen, a claim that has not been recognized by the current administration. Recent violence denotes a critical challenge for governance and peace in Chad, raising the stakes for both the ruling powers and opposition.
Chad's Former Prime Minister Arrested Amid Deadly Clashes
The arrest of Succès Masra serves as a stark reminder of the political turmoil in Chad and the ongoing disputes.
In the aftermath of deadly clashes in Chad, Succès Masra's arrest as a key political figure underscores the fragile state of governance and civility in the country. The violence, which involved confrontations between landholders and herders, points towards deeper societal fractures exacerbated by leadership turmoil. The situation calls for urgent attention both locally and internationally, as the balance of power continues to shift under the long-standing Déby dynasty. With critics facing increased repression, the struggle for democracy and human rights remains precarious in Chad’s political landscape.
Chad’s former PM detained for alleged role in deadly clashes, provoking backlash from opposition.
As tensions escalate in Chad, the arrest of Succès Masra highlights the ongoing struggles for political power and stability. The reported clashes in Logone Occidental province, which left at least 42 people dead, erupted from a land dispute, reflecting a broader pattern of violence exacerbated by political and ethnic divides. The former prime minister’s detention has sparked outrage among his supporters and questions about the legitimacy of the current government led by President Mahamat Déby. Masra has consistently been a critic of Déby’s regime, asserting that his own electoral victory last year was stolen, a claim that has not been recognized by the current administration. Recent violence denotes a critical challenge for governance and peace in Chad, raising the stakes for both the ruling powers and opposition.
Chad's Former Prime Minister Arrested Amid Deadly Clashes
The arrest of Succès Masra serves as a stark reminder of the political turmoil in Chad and the ongoing disputes.
In the aftermath of deadly clashes in Chad, Succès Masra's arrest as a key political figure underscores the fragile state of governance and civility in the country. The violence, which involved confrontations between landholders and herders, points towards deeper societal fractures exacerbated by leadership turmoil. The situation calls for urgent attention both locally and internationally, as the balance of power continues to shift under the long-standing Déby dynasty. With critics facing increased repression, the struggle for democracy and human rights remains precarious in Chad’s political landscape.