The political party « Les Patriotes » held a press conference this Wednesday, May 13, at its headquarters in the Bololo district of N’Djamena’s second arrondissement. The party’s spokesperson, Hisseine Abdoulaye, sounded the alarm over what he described as an « alarming politico-security crisis » and condemned the « unjust » sentencing of eight opposition leaders, all former members of the Political Actors Consultation Group (GCAP).
Escalating violence fuels instability across Chad
According to « Les Patriotes », Chad is grappling with a surge in Boko Haram attacks in the Lac province, alongside a troubling rise in intercommunal clashes in the east and south. Recent military operations in Barka Tolorom and Kaïga Kindjiria reportedly resulted in the deaths of 23 soldiers. Meanwhile, tribal violence in the Wadi Fira region—fueled by illegal arms trafficking from Sudan—has claimed over 40 lives.
Government accused of suppressing dissent
The party also highlighted what it calls a systematic crackdown on political opposition, pointing to the death of Yaya Dillo, the imprisonment of Succès Masra, and the Supreme Court’s decision to dissolve the GCAP. « Les Patriotes » further alleges that authorities are tightening restrictions on public freedoms and intensifying pressure on the media.
Among those sentenced to eight years in prison are eight party leaders, including Nassour Ibrahim Koursami, president of « Les Patriotes ». These arrests occurred on April 25 at the PAP/JS headquarters, reportedly without warrants, according to the party. Charges of illegal assembly, criminal association, insurrection, rebellion, and illegal arms possession were leveled, though « Les Patriotes » denies any credible evidence supporting these accusations.
In a strongly worded statement, the party accused the prosecutor, the Minister of Territorial Administration, and the Supreme Court president of orchestrating a rushed judicial process aimed at silencing political opponents. « Les Patriotes » is demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees and has called on the international community to closely monitor the case.
A call for unity against political repression
Concluding the press conference, Hisseine Abdoulaye issued a rallying cry for civic mobilization, urging citizens to « end this political charade and restore democracy. » Echoing George Orwell’s warning, he declared, « Tyrants fear the truth because truth does not obey. »
