Government under scrutiny for suppression of opposing views, as Chad's opposition leader voices allegations
In a recent development, Robert Gam, the leader of Chad's Socialist Party Without Borders, has been released from custody in June. His arrest by Chadian authorities last year was followed by a security raid on the headquarters of his party, PSF, in February.
The arrest and detention of several prominent figures in Chad, including Gam, is being described as a crackdown on human rights and dissent. This crackdown has been a hallmark of President Mahamat Déby's leadership style, who came to power following the death of his father and Chad's longtime president, Idriss Déby.
Gam, upon his release, alleged that he was mistreated during his eight months in custody in Chad. He also accused the Chadian government of targeting opposition figures in this crackdown. However, Chad's government did not immediately respond to these claims.
The Associated Press reported on this topic, with contributions from Oleg Cetinic in Paris. The AP also reported that Gam intends to sue his captors from France for his alleged mistreatment during his time in custody.
It's important to note that Chad is seen as one of the last remaining stable allies in western Africa by the United States and France. However, in recent years, military coups have occurred in neighbouring countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, and the ruling juntas in these nations have expelled French and American forces and turned to Russia for security assistance instead.
Chad, too, has been reported to be seeking closer ties with Russia. This shift in alliances could have significant implications for the region and for Chad's relationship with its traditional Western allies.
The long-delayed May 6 election in Chad took place after three years of military rule under Mahamat Déby as the interim president. The election was held amidst concerns about the government's crackdown on dissent and human rights.
Meanwhile, Succès Masra, a prominent opposition figure, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by Chadian authorities. Masra, a Chadian economist and politician who served as Prime Minister from January to May 2024, was convicted of incitement to violence and complicity to murder.
Yaya Dillo, the leader of PSF, was allegedly killed during a raid on the party headquarters last year, according to the party. The Chadian government claimed that Dillo was among several people who were killed when they attacked Chad's national security agency.
The Associated Press could not independently verify either account at the time. The ongoing situation in Chad continues to attract international attention and concern. The release of Robert Gam is a significant development, but the broader issues of human rights, political freedom, and the country's foreign policy alignments remain unresolved.
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