Tchad faces alarming political and security turmoil says opposition party

The political party Les Patriotes held a press conference on Wednesday, May 13 at its headquarters in the Bololo district of N’Djamena’s second arrondissement. Its spokesperson, Hisseine Abdoulaye, condemned what he described as a « politically and security-wise chaotic situation », alongside the conviction of eight opposition party leaders from the former Groupe de concertation des acteurs politiques (GCAP)—a verdict they deem unjust.

Security threats escalate across Chad

The party highlighted Chad’s growing instability, citing a surge in Boko Haram attacks in Lac Province and rising intercommunal clashes in the east and south. Recent military operations in Barka Tolorom and Kaïga Kindjiria reportedly resulted in 23 soldier casualties. Meanwhile, tribal violence in Wadi Fira, fueled by arms trafficking from Sudan, has claimed over 40 lives.

Political repression under scrutiny

Les Patriotes accused authorities of suppressing dissent, pointing to the « assassination » of Yaya Dillo, the imprisonment of Succès Masra, and the Supreme Court’s dissolution of the GCAP. The party also alleged systematic restrictions on public freedoms and press intimidation.

Eight GCAP-affiliated party presidents, including Nassour Ibrahim Koursami (head of Les Patriotes), were sentenced to eight years in prison on April 25 after being arrested at the PAP/JS headquarters without a warrant, according to the party. Charges—ranging from unlawful assembly to illegal arms possession—were dismissed as baseless by Les Patriotes, which accused prosecutors, the Interior Minister, and the Supreme Court Chief of orchestrating a swift, politically motivated trial.

Demanding the immediate, unconditional release of the convicted leaders, the party urged international observers to closely monitor the case. Hisseine Abdoulaye concluded with a call for public mobilization, declaring, « We must end this political sham and restore democracy. » Echoing George Orwell, he added, « Tyrants fear truth because it does not obey. »