Chadian opposition leader Succès Masra ended his hunger strike on Sunday evening based on medical advice.
This comes after he had spent more than a month in detention amid his lawyers’ strong denunciation of violations of his rights.
Masra, leader of the Les Transformateurs party and former prime minister, has been held since 16 May 2025.
He began the hunger strike after more than forty days in prison to protest what he described as “undeserved injustices” and to express “solidarity with the Chadian people,” according to a June 24th missive titled ”Letter from a Chadian Prison”.
In the letter, Masra condemned inequality and oppression endured by citizens, calling for the “liberation of a people held captive.”
His already fragile health raised concern, particularly as he refused all food, water, and medication under what his lawyers described as harsh conditions while in detention.
The decision to suspend the strike came after a personal physician was allowed to examine him and “strongly recommended” he end the fast to resume vital treatment, according to a statement by his legal team.
Masra was reportedly deeply moved by the nationwide expressions of solidarity, including a powerful gesture by women partially undressing in public in protest and the direct involvement of his mother.
His lawyers continue to challenge the legality of his arrest, citing numerous irregularities: lack of a warrant, unauthorised search, unlawful seizure of personal belongings, and illegal extension of his custody beyond the 96-hour legal limit. They also accuse the judicial police of document falsification to cover up these breaches.
On 19 June, the court of appeal rejected motions filed by the defense, a decision the legal team described as “a denial of justice” in what the government itself has referred to as a “high-profile political trial.”
“For us, his lawyers, we are relieved and now await his appearance before the investigating judge with calm anticipation,” said Me Francis Kadjilembaye, who signed the statement.
The legal team urged Masra’s supporters to “remain calm, composed, and disciplined,” and reiterated its call for continued mobilisation in defense of the rule of law in Chad.
CA/ac/lb/as/APA