By Djimhodoum Serge and Djinodji SOLMENGAR Rodrigue | MRTV
President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno has announced a presidential pardon for several convicted Chadians.
He made the announcement in his message to the nation on August 10, on the eve of Chad’s 66th Independence Day.
In accordance with the powers conferred on me by the Constitution, I will issue a presidential pardon for several of our compatriots who have been convicted.
However, the President did not name the people who could benefit from the measure.
The announcement comes as several political figures and former officials remain in detention or serve prison sentences.
Among them are opposition figure Succès Masra, former presidential chief of staff Idriss Youssouf Boy, and several former leaders of the Group of Political Actors’ Consultation, or GCAP.
Succès Masra among possible beneficiaries
Authorities arrested Succès Masra at his home on May 16, 2025.
On August 9, a court sentenced him to 20 years in prison. It also ordered him to pay one billion CFA francs in damages.
The former prime minister faced several charges. They included spreading hateful and xenophobic messages and complicity in murder in the Mandakao case.
The Mandakao massacre killed about 40 people in a village in southern Chad.
GCAP leaders also convicted
The case of several former GCAP leaders could also draw attention to the presidential measure.
Authorities arrested several of the group’s leaders on April 25. A court sentenced them to eight years in prison on May 8.
The charges included rebellion, criminal conspiracy and illegal possession of weapons of war.
Meanwhile, former Social Action Minister Fatimé Boukar Kossei faces another case.
A court sentenced her to 10 years in prison on May 14, 2026, over the diversion of food supplies. Several of her associates also received prison sentences.
Pardon could support reconciliation
The announcement comes as President Mahamat Deby calls for greater unity, reconciliation and political dialogue.
In his Independence Day message, he urged Chadians to put national interests above individual interests.
We must overcome our differences, reject divisions and place the supreme interest of the nation above all particular considerations.
He also called for greater political dialogue.
Political opponents are not enemies.
Against this backdrop, a presidential pardon for some political figures could help ease tensions and support reconciliation efforts.
Still, the President has yet to identify the beneficiaries.
The next step will be the publication of the official pardon decree.
That document will establish who qualifies for the measure.
