Chadian Opposition Leader Succès Masra Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison Over Mandakao Massacre  

N’DJAMENA, Aug. 10 — Chadian opposition politician and former prime minister Succès Masra was sentenced Saturday to 20 years in prison and fined 1 billion CFA francs, in connection with a deadly May massacre in Mandakao.

Masra was accused of spreading “hateful and xenophobic messages” and being complicit in the massacre, which reportedly arose from an inter-community conflict.

Following the trial, Masra’s lawyers condemned the verdict as a “humiliation” and claimed the case was based on “empty files.” They also accused authorities of using the justice system to “settle political scores.”

In related trials, 74 other suspects linked to the Mandakao massacre faced charges of participation, with 64 reportedly receiving the same 20-year prison sentences.

Masra served as prime minister from January until May 2024, stepping down after losing the presidential election.