Prime Minister Succes Masra, who is also a prominent opposition leader, has resigned following the confirmation of interim President Mahamat Idriss Deby as the winner of the May 6 presidential election. Masra’s resignation marks a pivotal moment in Chad’s political landscape, which has been fraught with tensions since the military junta took control in April 2021.
Masra, known for his staunch opposition to the junta, was appointed as the prime minister of the transitional government in January 2024, just months before the election. This appointment was seen as an attempt to pacify opposition groups and integrate them into the transitional process aimed at returning the country to constitutional rule. Chad, an oil-rich nation in the Sahel region of West and Central Africa, has been at the forefront of attempts to restore democratic governance following a series of coups that have destabilized the region.
The presidential election, which took place on May 6, was a critical step towards this goal. However, the election process was marred by controversies. Before the preliminary results were officially announced, Masra claimed victory and alleged that there were plans afoot to commit electoral fraud. Despite these allegations, Chad’s state election body reported that Deby won the election with 61% of the vote. This outcome was later ratified by the constitutional council, which officially confirmed Deby as the winner.
Following the confirmation of the election results, Masra acknowledged the council’s decision, stating that there were no further legal avenues to challenge the outcome. “In accordance with the constitution, I have today presented… my resignation and that of the transitional government, which has become irrelevant with the end of the presidential election of May 6,” Masra announced on X, a social media platform, on Wednesday.
Deby’s victory extends the dominance of his family in Chadian politics, a reign that began when Deby’s father seized power through a coup in the early 1990s. This continuation of power has raised concerns about the prospects for genuine democratic reform and the stability of political governance in Chad.
The resignation of Masra and the conclusion of the transitional government underscore the complex challenges facing Chad as it seeks to navigate the path towards stable and democratic governance. The international community, as well as local stakeholders, will be watching closely to see how the new administration addresses issues of governance, security, and human rights, which are crucial for the country’s progress.
