Chad opposition leader warns of systematic silencing of dissent

Alifa Younous Mahamat, coordinator of the Chadian Socialist Party without Borders (PSF) in France and Europe, has issued a stark warning about the state of political freedoms in Chad. Speaking during a broadcast on Africa Radio, he condemned the recent eight-year prison sentences handed down to opposition leaders as a deliberate attempt by the government to crush dissent.

Political repression escalates with opposition crackdown

Eight leaders from opposition parties within the Group for Political Actors’ Coordination (GCAP), a key opposition coalition in Chad, were sentenced to eight years in prison in N’Djamena. The timing of their arrests—just days before a planned protest march banned by authorities—highlights what many see as a coordinated effort to suppress political opposition.

Alifa Younous Mahamat denounced these developments as “a blatant misuse of justice for political ends”. He stated, “This case exposes Chad’s deepening slide into dictatorship, where fear and repression are used to enforce ideological conformity.”

The PSF coordinator emphasized that the crackdown extends beyond recent convictions. He pointed to the 20-year prison sentence handed to Succès Masra, a prominent opposition figure and former Prime Minister, as further evidence of a systematic campaign to eliminate credible political alternatives.

Freedom of expression under severe threat in Chad

According to Mahamat, the government’s tactics reveal a broader strategy to neutralize dissent. “Any voice of opposition is systematically and completely silenced,” he declared. He described a political climate where fundamental freedoms—such as the right to free speech, association, and assembly—are increasingly restricted. “It is now impossible for credible opposition parties to operate freely, express their views, or organize without fear of state reprisal.”

Diaspora plays a critical role in international advocacy

While repression intensifies within Chad, the Chadian diaspora in France and Europe is stepping up efforts to draw global attention to the situation. Mahamat, speaking from exile, asserted, “We serve as the voice for those who cannot speak out.” He outlined ongoing engagements with international institutions and human rights organizations, urging a “strong and unified response from the global community.”

Calls for international intervention gain momentum

In addition to lobbying international bodies, the PSF has engaged directly with French political leaders. Mahamat revealed meetings with members of the French National Assembly and Senate, including discussions with figures from La France Insoumise. Notably, he met with the party’s leader, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, to highlight the deteriorating political conditions in Chad. These efforts reflect a growing belief that international pressure may be the only effective tool to counter the authoritarian drift under Mahamat Idriss Déby’s regime.