The political party « Les Patriotes » convened a press conference on Wednesday, May 13th, at its headquarters in N’Djamena’s Bololo district, within the 2ᵉ arrondissement. During the briefing, party spokesperson Hisseine Abdoulaye voiced grave concerns over what he described as a “chaotic politico-security landscape” gripping Chad. He also vehemently condemned the conviction of eight prominent leaders from political parties formerly part of the Group of Consultation of Political Actors (GCAP), labeling their sentencing as profoundly unjust.
Chad is reportedly grappling with a period of profound instability. This challenging environment is characterized by a significant escalation of Boko Haram attacks across the Lac province, alongside a worrying proliferation of intercommunal clashes erupting in the eastern and southern regions of the nation. Recent military operations, specifically those at Barka Tolorom and Kaïga Kindjiria, tragically claimed the lives of 23 soldiers. Furthermore, the Wadi Fira region has been a hotbed of tribal violence, exacerbated by the influx of weaponry from neighboring Sudan, resulting in over 40 fatalities.
On the political front, « Les Patriotes » criticized what they perceive as a systemic suppression of the opposition. The party specifically referenced the “assassination” of Yaya Dillo, the detention of Succès Masra, and the Supreme Court’s decision to dissolve the GCAP. They further accused the authorities of systematically curtailing public liberties and increasing their attacks on press freedom.
The party strongly disputes the eight-year prison sentences handed down to eight presidents of parties affiliated with the former GCAP. These leaders were arrested on April 25th at the PAP/JS headquarters, reportedly without valid warrants. Nassour Ibrahim Koursami, who serves as the president of « Les Patriotes » party, is among those who received the harsh sentence.
« Les Patriotes » contend that the charges—including unlawful assembly, criminal association, insurrection, rebellion, and illegal possession of war weapons—lack any substantial material evidence. The party directly implicated the prosecutor, the Minister of Territorial Administration, and the Supreme Court president, alleging they orchestrated an expedited legal process designed to neutralize political opposition.
In response, the party demands the immediate and unconditional release of all convicted individuals and urged the international community to closely monitor the unfolding situation.
Concluding the conference, Hisseine Abdoulaye issued a fervent appeal for widespread citizen mobilization. He articulated this call as essential to “bring an end to this political charade and restore democracy.” Echoing the words of George Orwell, he powerfully stated: “Tyrants do not like the truth, because the truth does not obey.“
