Tchad political crisis: opposition party warns of growing instability

The political party Les Patriotes held a press conference on May 13 at its headquarters in the Bololo district of N’Djamena’s second arrondissement. Hisseine Abdoulaye, the party’s spokesperson, condemned what he described as an « alarming politico-security situation », particularly the controversial conviction of eight opposition leaders from the former Groupe de Concertation des Acteurs Politiques (GCAP).

The party highlighted Tchad’s escalating instability, citing a surge in Boko Haram attacks in the Lake region and a rise in intercommunal clashes in the east and south. Recent military operations in Barka Tolorom and Kaïga Kindjiria reportedly resulted in 23 soldiers killed, while tribal violence in Wadi Fira, fueled by arms smuggling from Sudan, has left over 40 dead.

Politically, Les Patriotes accused authorities of systematically suppressing dissent. They pointed to the death of Yaya Dillo, the imprisonment of Succès Masra, and the Supreme Court’s dissolution of the GCAP as evidence of a crackdown. The party also criticized restrictions on public freedoms and growing press censorship.

The controversy deepens over the eight-party leaders sentenced to eight years in prison on charges including unlawful assembly, rebellion, and illegal arms possession. Among those convicted is Nassour Ibrahim Koursami, leader of Les Patriotes. The party insists the accusations lack credible evidence and alleges a coordinated effort by the prosecutor, the Interior Minister, and the Supreme Court Chief Justice to eliminate political opposition through rushed proceedings.

Les Patriotes demanded the immediate, unconditional release of the detainees and urged international observers to scrutinize the case closely. In a final appeal, Hisseine Abdoulaye called for public mobilization to « end this political charade and restore democracy », quoting George Orwell: « Tyrants fear the truth because it does not obey. »