N’Djamena, Chad – Succès Masra, Chad’s Prime Minister and prominent opposition leader, has resigned following the confirmation of interim President Mahamat Idriss Deby as the victor in the May 6 presidential election.
“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, 2024, with known results,” Masra announced on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Wednesday, May 22.
Masra, a staunch opponent of Chad’s ruling junta, was appointed Prime Minister of the transitional government in January 2024. This appointment, just four months ahead of the presidential poll, was part of an effort to foster positive relations with the opposition and steer the country towards a democratic transition. By March, Masra declared his intention to run for president, aiming to restore constitutional rule in the oil-rich nation of nearly 18 million people.
However, Chad’s journey towards democracy has been fraught with challenges. The country has not experienced a democratic transfer of power since gaining independence from French colonial rule in 1960. The recent election was seen as a crucial step in this direction, yet it was marred by controversies and allegations of electoral fraud.
Before the official results were announced, Masra claimed victory, alleging that the electoral process was being manipulated. Despite these claims, Chad’s electoral body declared Mahamat Idriss Deby, also known as Deby Itno, as the winner with 61% of the vote. Masra, who garnered only 18.5% of the vote, has since acknowledged the council’s ruling, stating that there are no other legal avenues to contest the results.
Deby Itno assumed power in 2021 after the death of his father, who had ruled Chad for three decades and was killed in a battle with rebels. Deby’s rise to power was marked by three years of military rule, culminating in the long-delayed presidential election, which analysts had widely predicted he would win.
The confirmation of Deby Itno’s victory marks another chapter in Chad’s turbulent political landscape. As Masra steps down, the focus now shifts to Deby’s ability to govern a country that remains deeply divided and plagued by ongoing conflicts.
