Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby has pardoned opposition leader and former prime minister Success Masra, who has spent more than a year in prison following his conviction on charges including inciting violence and complicity in murder.
The presidency announced the pardon on Friday, saying Masra is expected to be released in the coming days once the Justice Ministry completes the necessary procedures.
Masra, one of Chad’s most prominent opposition figures and a leading political rival of Déby, was sentenced last year to 20 years in prison and fined 1 billion CFA francs, equivalent to about $1.77 million.
His trial drew criticism from human rights activists, who argued that the case was politically motivated.
According to the presidency, the pardon followed a formal request submitted by Masra’s lawyers.
Eight other political figures were also granted pardons and are expected to be released alongside him.
“These nine individuals will be released as soon as the Ministry of Justice makes the necessary arrangements in the coming hours and days,” the presidency said.
The government stressed, however, that the presidential pardon does not cancel civil penalties imposed by the courts, which will remain enforceable.
Masra previously served as prime minister and emerged as one of the most internationally recognized voices in Chad’s opposition, becoming a central challenger to Déby during the country’s turbulent political transition.