Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno has signed two presidential pardon decrees, paving the way for the imminent release of prominent opposition leader Succès Masra alongside eight other political figures.
Masra had previously been sentenced to 20 years in prison and ordered to pay one billion CFA francs in damages. The decision comes four days after the head of state initially announced his intention to grant clemency to select convicted individuals, with officials noting that Masra benefited from the measure following a formal request submitted by his legal team.
The primary decree also extends clemency to eight leaders from the former GCAP coalition, including party presidents and secretaries-general who had similarly petitioned the presidency. The nine political figures are expected to be discharged shortly once the Ministry of Justice finalizes the necessary administrative procedures. However, authorities emphasized that while the presidential pardon lifts the custodial sentences, it does not erase civil judgments, which remain fully enforceable.
A second decree issued by the presidency introduces a broader, collective sentence reduction for a significant number of incarcerated individuals across Chad. This measure excludes individuals convicted of severe crimes such as terrorism, rape, and drug-related offenses, while those serving sentences for corruption are eligible for partial reductions rather than complete pardons. The clemency extended to Masra represents one of the most substantial political gestures undertaken by President Déby as part of his broader presidential clemency initiative.
CA/ac/lb/abj/APA