The detention of Succes Masra, president of the Les Transformateurs party, has reignited political tensions in Chad.
Opposition leader Pahimi Padacke Albert is now demanding Masra’s immediate release or the presentation of clear evidence, denouncing the situation as a dangerous step towards authoritarianism.
Chad’s political climate grew tense on Wednesday, May 21, following Masra’s arrest, which has sparked a wave of reactions from political figures and civil society alike. Opposition leader Pahimi Padacke Albert publicly called for respect for the rule of law and transparency in the handling of the case.
In a statement published on social media, Padacke Albert reiterated that all arrests and detentions must adhere to strict procedural rules and be based on legally indisputable grounds. He emphasized the necessity for heightened rigor when dealing with a prominent political figure, aiming to prevent any suspicion of the judicial system being manipulated for political objectives.
The opposition leader warned of the tangible risks that such legal proceedings pose to restricting the space for pluralistic political expression in Chad. “The opposition must be able to express itself freely within the republican framework, without fear or intimidation,” he insisted.
In response to Masra’s detention, Pahimi Padacke Albert demanded either his immediate release or the swift and public presentation of irrefutable evidence to substantiate the accusations. He also called for guarantees of transparency and absolute respect for the rights of the defense.
Padacke Albert concluded his message by reaffirming his political camp’s vigilance regarding developments in the case. He stressed that treating Masra in strict compliance with the law is crucial for preserving social peace and political stability in the country.
With attention now squarely focused on the judicial authorities, this firm stance once again highlights the simmering tensions within the Chadian political landscape and rekindles the broader debate on the opposition’s role in the nation’s democratic process.
CA/ac/Sf/fss/abj/APA