Chad’s former Prime Minister Succès Masra has left the country to seek medical treatment, two months after his release from prison following a presidential pardon.
The opposition leader reportedly travelled to Cameroon on Tuesday, October 20. He was then expected to continue to Ivory Coast, where his family lives, before travelling to France for treatment.
According to Africanews and news agencies, Masra’s health deteriorated during his detention.
His departure comes amid continuing political tensions between the opposition and President Mahamat Idriss Déby’s government.
Succès Masra seeks treatment after imprisonment
An associate of Masra said the former prime minister experienced worsening health problems during his time in prison.
However, his departure was delayed while he waited for his passport to be renewed.
The associate did not provide further details about his medical condition.
Before leaving Chad, Masra attended a ceremony honouring victims of the October 2022 protests.
The demonstrations demanded a return to constitutional rule following a period of military-led government.
Security forces responded with a crackdown that resulted in deaths and arrests.
Masra’s participation in the tribute highlighted his continued involvement in Chad’s political affairs following his release.
Former Chad prime minister received presidential pardon
Authorities arrested Masra in May 2025.
In August that year, a court sentenced him to 20 years in prison over allegations connected to deadly violence in southwestern Chad.
The case involved clashes between herders and farmers that killed at least 42 people.
Prosecutors accused Masra and 67 co-defendants of contributing to the violence.
The charges against him included hate speech, xenophobia and incitement to a massacre.
However, Masra denied the allegations.
He maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.
President Mahamat Idriss Déby later granted him a pardon, leading to his release in August 2026.
The decision followed a presidential pledge to release several convicted individuals as part of efforts to promote national unity and reconciliation.
Masra remains a prominent opposition figure
Masra leads Chad’s Transformers party and has been a prominent critic of President Déby.
He contested the May 2024 presidential election against the country’s then-transitional leader.
Déby was declared the winner.
However, Masra rejected the official results and alleged electoral fraud.
His claims reflected wider political disagreements over Chad’s transition from military rule.
Despite their rivalry, Masra had previously agreed to serve as prime minister following a reconciliation agreement with Déby.
His appointment was presented as an effort to reduce political tensions.
However, relations between the two leaders later deteriorated.
Chad’s political transition remains contested
The Déby family has held power in Chad for more than three decades.
Former President Idriss Déby Itno governed the country until his death in 2021 during fighting with rebels.
Following his death, the military installed his son, Mahamat Idriss Déby, as the country’s leader.
The younger Déby initially headed a transitional administration before winning the disputed 2024 presidential election.
Opposition figures have continued to raise concerns about political freedoms and the electoral process.
Meanwhile, the government has emphasised national reconciliation and stability.
Masra’s imprisonment and subsequent pardon became significant developments in the country’s political landscape.
Medical trip follows release from detention
Masra’s departure marks another development following his release from prison.
His associate said medical treatment had become necessary because of health problems linked to his detention.
However, no detailed medical assessment has been publicly provided in the report.
The former prime minister is expected to travel to France after visiting Cameroon and Ivory Coast.
It remains unclear when he will return to Chad or resume political activities.
For now, his trip comes as the country continues to navigate tensions between the government and opposition groups.