Chad opposition leader appointed prime minister of transitional government

AFP | Succes Masra, president of The Transformers party, was a long-time opponent of the Deby dynasty but returned to Chad in November after reaching an agreement with its military leaders.

Days before last month’s referendum on a new constitution – which saw 86 percent of participants vote “yes” – Masra publicly urged supporters to vote in favor, with the outcome now expected to pave the way to elections.

“Doctor Succes Masra is appointed prime minister, head of the transition government,” general secretary to the presidency Mahamat Ahmat Alabo announced on state TV.

Masra went into exile shortly after October 20, 2022 protests against the military regime, which had just extended by two years an 18-month transition supposed to culminate in elections and the return of power to a civilian government.

Masra only returned from exile on November 3 following a reconciliation agreement signed in Kinshasa on October 31 which guaranteed him free exercise of political activities.

He has told the government he wants to “continue dialogue… with a view to a peaceful political solution”.