Chad appoints opposition leader, Masra, as new Prime Minister

General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, transitional president and president of the Republic of Chad has appointed opposition leader, Succes Masra, as the new Prime Minister of the country. The appointment follows the resignation of former interim Prime Minister, Saleh Kebzabo on December 30.

The Chadian authorities have named top politician Succès Masra as the first Prime minister under the nation’s newly adopted 5th Republic Constitution.

The announcement was read on national television on January 1st by minister Mahamat Ahmad Alhabo.

The statement said, “Through decree 012024 signed on January 1st, 2024 by general Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, transitional president, president of the Republic [of Chad], head of state, president of the Cabinet, Dr. Succès Masra is named Prime minister, head of the transitional government.”

The announcement of the appointment follows the resignation of former interim Prime Minister, Saleh Kebzabo on December 30.

The opposition leader, Succès Masra, who returned to Chad barely two months ago is yet to react officially to his appointment.

Recall that he and other opposition leaders had fled the country amid deadly repression of protests against military authority last year.

According to government’s figures, about 50 people were officially killed in protests last year.

The opposition and independent observers, however, said at least 300 people lost their lives on October 20 after Transitional President Mahamat Deby broke his promise to hold elections