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Eight opposition figures in Chad have been sentenced to eight years in prison by a court in the capital, N’Djamena, in a ruling that is already drawing criticism from the defendants’ legal team and raising fresh concerns over political freedoms in the country.
The opposition leaders, all linked to a coalition critical of President Mahamat Idriss Deby, were arrested at the end of last month, days before a planned “protest and indignation march” that authorities later banned.
According to judicial authorities, the group was detained pending investigations into allegations of “criminal association, rebellion and illegal possession of weapons of war.” The charges formed the basis of Friday’s judgment, which handed each defendant an eight-year jail term.
The arrests came during a tense political period in Chad, where opposition groups and civil society organisations have repeatedly accused the government of restricting dissent and limiting public demonstrations. Authorities, however, have maintained that measures taken against opposition activities are necessary for national security and public order.
Reacting to the court’s decision, defence lawyer Moussa Adoum rejected the ruling and questioned the legitimacy of the charges brought against his clients.
“We are not surprised but are disappointed by the court’s decision, which is based on non-existent offences,” Adoum told AFP after the judgment.
The lawyer also confirmed that the defence team plans to challenge the ruling before the criminal court of appeal in N’Djamena. According to him, the appeal process is necessary “so that the court can rule without political pressure.”
The convictions are expected to intensify debate over governance, political opposition, and civic freedoms in Chad, where President Deby has faced increasing scrutiny from critics following his consolidation of power after succeeding his late father, former president Idriss Deby Itno.
