Abduction of Former Chad Prime Minister Raises Political Alarm

Former Chad Prime Minister Succes Masra was reportedly abducted by military forces from his home on May 16. Masra, who has been a vocal critic of President Mahamat Deby, previously ran against him in the presidential elections. This abduction adds to concerns over escalating political tension in Chad, particularly after Deby’s regime faced criticism for its electoral practices and opposition suppression.

Former Prime Minister of Chad, Succes Masra, has reportedly been abducted from his home, according to his political party, Les Transformateurs. This incident occurred early Friday morning, May 16, at approximately 5:56 a.m. His party announced the abduction through a post on his official Facebook page, describing the event as a military operation involving armed men. The post also included an unverified video claim showing Masra’s removal from his residence, which doubles as the party’s headquarters, by a group of over a dozen military soldiers.

Masra was in office from January to May 2024 and has been a vocal critic of the current regime. He contested against President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno in the recent presidential elections, securing 18.5 percent of the votes, whereas Deby obtained 61.3 percent. In a notable twist, Masra continues to assert his victory despite the results. This confrontation highlights the ongoing political tensions in Chad, where Masra has remained one of Deby’s most formidable adversaries.

Following the passing of his father, former President Idriss Deby Itno, in 2021, Mahamat Deby, proclaimed as the transitional president by military colleagues, pledged to adhere to a timeline of 18 months leading to democratic elections. However, this timeline has since been extended by an additional two years, during which many opposition members have been forced into exile or have opted for silence for fear of repercussions.

In December 2023, Chad approved a new constitution via referendum, paving the way for elections held in May 2024. Observers have raised concerns regarding the integrity of this electoral process, questioning its credibility. Meanwhile, President Deby, now aged 40, has solidified his grip on power amidst persistent opposition suppression.

The reported abduction of Succes Masra marks a significant escalation in Chad’s politically charged atmosphere as he remains one of the president’s leading opponents. With a history of military takeovers and electoral misconduct, the situation in Chad raises alarms regarding the future of its democratic process. observers and critics alike will be monitoring the implications of Masra’s abduction on the already fragile political landscape.

Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com