Chadian junta-appointed Prime Minister, Succès Masra, has declared his intention to run for the presidency, a move that follows interim president Mahamat Déby’s announcement of his candidacy a week earlier.
Masra, a former opposition leader who later reconciled with Déby upon returning from exile, officially assumed the position of prime minister in January.
Speaking at a rally on Sunday, Masra emphasized his aspiration to foster unity among the people and “heal hearts.”
However, the opposition has criticized Masra’s decision to run, labeling it as a tactical maneuver to give the impression of democracy in an election where Déby is widely expected to emerge victorious.
Max Kemkoye, the spokesperson for a coalition of opposition parties known as GCAP, condemned Masra’s candidacy as a “charade,” designed to complement the existing military leadership.
Déby’s primary rival, opposition leader Yaya Dillo, was killed in a clash with security forces on February 28, accused by the government of orchestrating a deadly attack on the country’s security agency—an allegation Dillo vehemently denied.
Dillo was widely regarded as Déby’s main challenger in the upcoming election.
Déby assumed leadership in Chad following the death of his father at the hands of rebels, ending a three-decade-long rule.