Following the sentencing of eight Tchadian opposition figures to eight years in prison, Alifa Younous Mahamat, coordinator of the Parti socialiste sans frontières (PSF) in France and Europe, has accused the regime of Mahamat Idriss Déby of systematically silencing political dissent.

Listen to Alifa Younous Mahamat

political weaponization of justice

Eight leaders from opposition parties within the Groupe de concertation des acteurs politiques (GCAP), Tchad’s main opposition coalition, were sentenced to eight years in prison in N’Djamena. Responding to the verdict, Alifa Younous Mahamat condemned the arrests and convictions as arbitrary. “This case clearly shows that Tchad is sinking deeper into dictatorship, where a single narrative is enforced through fear and repression,” he stated. The opposition figures had been arrested days before a planned protest march banned by authorities.

systematic suppression of dissent

For the PSF coordinator, the imprisonment of GCAP leaders is part of a broader strategy to neutralize credible opposition. “Any dissenting voice is systematically and completely crushed,” he declared, describing an increasingly restricted political climate. According to him, fundamental freedoms in Tchad are severely limited: “It is impossible for a credible opposition party to exercise its right to free speech, organize, or assemble.”

This latest conviction follows the sentencing of Succès Masra, former Prime Minister and prominent opposition figure, to 20 years in prison nearly a year ago.

diaspora’s role in mobilizing international support

From France and Europe, the Tchadian diaspora is working to keep international attention on the political situation in Tchad. “We give voice to those who cannot speak out,” explained Alifa Younous Mahamat, who says he is engaging with international institutions and human rights organizations. “We urgently call on the international community to take a firm stance,” he added.

engaging with French political leaders

The PSF coordinator also reported meetings with French political officials to raise awareness about the situation in Tchad. “We have met with French deputies and senators,” he noted, including discussions with representatives from La France insoumise. “We were able to meet their leader, Jean-Luc Mélenchon,” he added. For the exiled Tchadian opposition, international mobilization is now seen as a critical tool against the hardening stance of Mahamat Idriss Déby’s government.