Allegations of Abduction of Former Chad Prime Minister Succes…

Former Chad Prime Minister Succes Masra was allegedly abducted from his home by armed men early Friday. His party, Les Transformateurs, reported the incident, sharing a video of the abduction. Masra had recently served as prime minister and was a notable opponent to President Deby, who has extended his rule amid claims of democratic transition.

In a startling development, former Chad Prime Minister Succes Masra has reportedly been abducted from his residence, as stated by his political party, Les Transformateurs. According to a post on Masra’s official Facebook page, the incident took place early Friday morning around 5:56 a.m. The post included an unverified video showing Masra being taken away by approximately a dozen armed individuals in military uniforms.

Masra had just served as prime minister from January to May 2024 and emerged as a notable opponent of the current regime led by President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno. In last May’s presidential elections, he garnered 18.5% of the vote, while Deby secured 61.3%, a contest Masra claimed to have won despite the official results. His vocal stance against Deby has made him a significant player in Chad’s political landscape.

Mahamat Deby, who assumed the transitional presidency in 2021 after the death of his father, Idriss Deby Itno, is perceived as part of the military elite that has continued to suppress dissent. Promised a transition to democracy lasting 18 months, Deby’s term has been extended by two additional years. Anyone opposing his rule has faced serious repercussions, including forced exile or silencing.

A new constitution was put in place through a referendum in December 2023, and soon after, Deby was declared elected in May 2024. However, this electoral process was critiqued by international observers as lacking credibility, reflecting a troubling trend for democracy in this central African nation.

With Masra’s abduction, concerns about the safety of opposition politicians in Chad are growing. The political environment remains tense, with many fearing similar fates as Masra for openly opposing Deby’s government. As the situation develops, it will be crucial to monitor the response from both the international community and the Chadian populace to this alarming incident.

In summary, the reported abduction of former Prime Minister Succes Masra highlights the increasingly precarious situation for opposition figures in Chad. With a history of military suppression and dubious electoral processes, Masra’s situation underscores the challenges facing those who dare to challenge President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno’s rule. Vigilance from international observers and human rights advocates will be vital as the political climate continues to evolve.

Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com