The political party Les Patriotes held an urgent press conference this Wednesday, May 13, at its headquarters in the Bololo district of N’Djamena’s second arrondissement. Speaking on behalf of the party, spokesperson Hisseine Abdoulaye described the current politico-security climate as deeply alarming, highlighting the unjust conviction of eight opposition leaders from the former Groupe de concertation des acteurs politiques (GCAP).
Escalating violence in Chad’s regions
The party painted a grim picture of Chad’s security landscape, citing a surge in Boko Haram attacks in the Lac Province and a disturbing rise in intercommunal clashes in the east and south. Recent military operations in Barka Tolorom and Kaïga Kindjiria reportedly resulted in 23 soldier fatalities. Meanwhile, tribal violence in Wadi Fira, fueled by the illegal flow of weapons from Sudan, has claimed over 40 lives.
Political repression under scrutiny
Beyond security concerns, Les Patriotes condemned what they see as a deliberate crackdown on dissent. The party pointed to the controversial death of Yaya Dillo, the detention of Succès Masra, and the Supreme Court’s dissolution of the GCAP as evidence of systematic suppression. Restrictions on public freedoms and increasing pressure on media outlets were also flagged as major red flags.
The party questioned the legitimacy of the eight-year prison sentences handed down to eight opposition party leaders—including Nassour Ibrahim Koursami, head of Les Patriotes—who were arrested on April 25 at the PAP/JS headquarters without a warrant, according to their account. Charges ranging from illegal assembly and criminal conspiracy to rebellion and illegal arms possession were dismissed as baseless, with the party alleging a coordinated effort by the prosecutor, the Minister of Territorial Administration, and the Supreme Court president to silence political rivals through expedited legal proceedings.
Les Patriotes demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the convicted leaders and urged the international community to closely monitor the case. Concluding the press briefing, Hisseine Abdoulaye issued a rallying cry for public mobilization, declaring, « It’s time to end this political charade and restore democracy. »* Echoing George Orwell’s words, he added, « Tyrants fear the truth because truth does not obey. »*
