May 21, 2026

The African Tribune

Bold, independent reporting on Africa's most important stories, in English, every day.

Tight security at the Supreme Court for the Succès Masra hearing

The Supreme Court in N’Djamena is currently under heavy surveillance. A significant deployment of security forces, including the National Guard, police, and gendarmerie, has established a firm perimeter around the judicial building.

Entry into the premises is being meticulously controlled. Many members of the press, including cameramen and journalists, have found themselves barred from entering the courtroom where the proceedings are taking place.

Legal proceedings behind closed doors

Held in a confined space within the Supreme Court, the hearing is shielded from public view. The legal battle pits the President of the Supreme Court against a team of approximately ten defense attorneys representing Dr Succès Masra, the leader of the Les Transformateurs party.

This judicial session focuses on the appeal in cassation filed following the criminal chamber’s decision on August 9, 2025. That previous ruling by the Court of Appeal handed a 20-year prison sentence to Dr Succès Masra.