Chad's leader grants pardon to opposition rival Success Masra and other detainees

President Mahamat Idriss Déby announced a presidential pardon for his main opponent, former prime minister Success Masra, who has been detained for more than a year on accusations of inciting unrest and involvement in murder. Masra received a 20-year prison sentence and a 1 billion CFA franc fine in a trial that human-rights activists described as politically motivated. The statement said the pardon will be executed within hours and days, and that eight other political detainees will also be released.

Although the criminal convictions are lifted, the civil penalties remain enforceable. The Ministry of Justice is responsible for completing the necessary procedures. The clemency follows a formal request submitted by Masra’s attorneys.