Overview
- A N’Djamena criminal court convicted Masra of incitement to hatred, xenophobia and complicity in murders before imposing a 20-year prison term and heavy fines.
- Prosecutors had asked for a 25-year sentence, the freezing of Masra’s assets and 5 billion CFA francs in state compensation, and Masra’s lawyers immediately announced an appeal.
- Charges stem from a May 14 inter-communal clash between Fulani herders and Ngambaye farmers in Logone Occidental that left dozens dead.
- Masra served as Chad’s prime minister from January to May 2024 and leads the Les Transformateurs party, having returned from exile to challenge President Déby.
- Analysts say the trial exemplifies a broader pattern of judicial measures used to suppress opposition during the country’s sensitive political transition.