In Chad, the 20-year prison sentence handed to Succès Masra has now become final. On Thursday, May 21, 2026, the Criminal Division of the Judicial Chamber of the Supreme Court upheld the ruling issued at first instance, rejecting the appeal lodged by the former Prime Minister and leader of the party Les Transformateurs.
Meeting in public session under the presidency of Samir Adam Annour, the high court confirmed criminal ruling No. 018/25 delivered on August 9, 2025, by the N’Djamena Court of Appeal, thereby maintaining the sentence imposed on Succès Masra.
The defense team, led by Me Kadjilembaye Francis, failed to secure the overturning of the conviction. In contrast, the public prosecutor’s office and the Chadian state, represented by the State Judicial Agency (AJE), succeeded in obtaining confirmation of the verdict.
This decision, now no longer subject to ordinary appeal, brings to an end the judicial proceedings against one of the leading figures of the Chadian opposition. Unless a presidential pardon is granted, Succès Masra will have to serve the full duration of his sentence.
Reminder of the Facts
In August 2025, Succès Masra was sentenced to 20 years in prison for murder and complicity, the dissemination of hate messages through electronic means, and criminal association, in connection with the so-called Mandakao killings case.
Since his conviction, he has been detained at the premises of the Judicial Police Coordination Unit in N’Djamena.
His party, along with several human rights organizations, has denounced the trial as politically motivated and continues to demand his release. Defense lawyers have also repeatedly requested a medical evacuation, citing serious respiratory problems, but no favorable response has been granted so far.
Despite his imprisonment, Succès Masra continues to communicate through messages addressed to his supporters. In a letter published on the occasion of the eighth anniversary of Les Transformateurs, he reaffirmed his commitment to dialogue with the authorities and to political appeasement, while suggesting that this conciliatory stance may have contributed to his current situation.
