Chad’s Supreme Court has delivered its final ruling in the case of former Prime Minister Succès Masra, rejecting the appeal filed by his legal team. The decision confirms his 20-year prison sentence in connection with violent clashes in Mandakao.

The former Chadian head of government and leader of the Transformers party, Succès Masra, now faces an irreversible 20-year prison term. On May 21, N’Djamena’s Supreme Court dismissed the appeal submitted by his lawyers, effectively exhausting all domestic legal avenues.

Masra was initially sentenced in August of last year by the Criminal Court for charges including “dissemination of racist and xenophobic messages,” “criminal association,” and “complicity in murder.” The court specifically cited a 2023 message attributed to him, which prosecutors argued contributed to intercommunal violence in Mandakao in May 2025.

A heavy security presence, including police and military units, was deployed around the Supreme Court building during the hearing, restricting access despite the session’s public nature.

With this ruling, Masra’s options within Chad’s judicial system are now exhausted. Any remaining legal recourse may now lie with sub-regional or international courts. Supporters of the opposition figure have condemned the trial as politically motivated. “We hope a political solution can be reached,” stated Claudia Hoinathy, a member of the Transformers party.