The recent sentencing of eight Chadian opposition leaders to eight years in prison has drawn sharp criticism from Alifa Younous Mahamat. The Parti socialiste sans frontières (PSF) coordinator condemned what he describes as a politically motivated abuse of justice aimed at suppressing dissent in Chad.

Political justice weaponized against opposition

Eight leaders from opposition parties within the Groupe de concertation des acteurs politiques (GCAP), the largest opposition coalition in Chad, were sentenced to eight years in prison in N’Djamena. Alifa Younous Mahamat has vehemently condemned these arbitrary arrests and convictions, stating, “This case clearly shows that Chad is sliding deeper into dictatorship, where dissent is crushed through fear and repression.”

The opposition figures were arrested days before a planned protest march that had been banned by authorities.

Systematic silencing of dissenting voices

According to the PSF coordinator, the imprisonment of GCAP leaders is part of a broader strategy to eliminate credible opposition. “Any dissenting voice is systematically and completely crushed,” he declared, highlighting an increasingly restrictive political environment. He emphasized that fundamental freedoms in Chad are severely restricted, stating that opposition parties face immense barriers to exercising their rights: “It is impossible for a credible opposition party to freely express itself, organize, or assemble.”

This latest conviction follows the imprisonment of Succès Masra, a key opposition figure and former Prime Minister, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison nearly a year ago.

Diaspora amplifies the opposition’s call for justice

From France and Europe, the Chadian diaspora is working to keep international attention focused on the political situation in Chad. “We are the voice of those who cannot speak out,” explained Alifa Younous Mahamat, who is actively engaging with international institutions and human rights organizations. “We urge the international community to respond firmly,” he insisted.

Collaboration with French political leaders

The PSF coordinator also revealed that he has met with several French political leaders to raise awareness about the situation in Chad. “We have met with French deputies and senators,” he noted, adding that discussions included representatives from La France insoumise, including their leader, Jean-Luc Mélenchon. For the exiled Chadian opposition, international mobilization has become a critical tool in countering the growing authoritarianism of Mahamat Idriss Déby‘s regime.