Tchad court upholds 20-year sentence for Succès Masra

The Supreme Court of Chad has upheld the 20-year prison sentence against Succès Masra, leader of the Les Transformateurs party. The decision, delivered on Thursday, marks the final chapter in the legal saga surrounding one of the country’s most prominent political figures.

The ruling confirms the earlier verdict from August 9, 2025, rejecting the former Prime Minister’s appeal against his conviction. Masra, along with over 70 co-defendants, was found guilty of charges including « dissemination of racist and xenophobic messages, » « criminal association, » and « complicity in murder »—all tied to the tragic events at Mandakao.

The defense team, led by Kadjilembaye Francis, argued vigorously for acquittal, but the Supreme Court justices remained unmoved. With no further domestic appeals possible, Succès Masra’s fate is sealed unless presidential clemency intervenes. For now, he faces the full weight of the law.

In response, supporters of Les Transformateurs have condemned the ruling as a travesty of justice. Legal analysts note that the only remaining avenues for Masra lie in regional or international courts, though such steps remain uncertain and politically fraught.