GENERAL
Proposed constitutional amendment sparks controversy
In Chad, the proposed amendment to Article 77 of the Constitution on 9th September 2025, which would allow the President to lead a political party, ignited intense debate among political actors and experts. Constitutional law expert Prof. Maoudinodji Gilbert criticised the reform as a “blatant violation” of the Basic Law, cautioning that by assuming the presidency of the Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS), the Head of State could be held civilly and criminally liable for offences committed by party members during events such as campaigns or demonstrations. He emphasised that presidential immunity would not apply, as it only covers official duties, thereby exposing the president to legal risks similar to those faced by other party leaders. Prof. Maoudinodji further contended that this move violated Articles 76 and 77 of the Constitution, threatening institutional balance and undermining the neutrality expected of the presidency.
Reporters Without Borders expresses concern over the growing intimidation of journalists in Chad
In a recent report of 27th August 2025, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) uncovered a persistent campaign of surveillance and intimidation targeting Chadian journalists over the past 18 months. This campaign involves individuals in civilian or military attire covertly following journalists in unmarked vehicles. Aimed at those critical of the government, this practice has driven some journalists into exile or hiding, while others have been compelled to abandon their work, creating a climate of fear and self-censorship that severely undermines press freedom and journalists’ well-being. Despite denials from the National State Security Agency, these actions occurred within a broader context of repression characterised by assassinations, arbitrary arrests, torture, and media restrictions. Consequently, RSF urged the Chadian authorities to cease such practices and safeguard journalism from retaliation.
Arrest and sentencing of former Chadian Prime Minister, Succès Masra
On 16th May 2025 in N’Djamena, a group of 12 armed men dressed in military attire, acting on an arrest warrant issued by public prosecutor Oumar Mahamat Kedelaye, arrested former Prime Minister and opposition leader Succès Masra during a raid at his home. Masra was held in an unknown place on charges of “inciting hatred.” This arrest came in the wake of deadly communal violence on 14th May in Mandakao, Logone Occidental province, which resulted in at least 41 fatalities and led to a series of arrests for which the public prosecutor accused Masra of being responsible. Masra, who finished second in the recent presidential election, arrested for his criticism of President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno’s administration, had previously advocated for the implementation of a 2023 Kinshasa agreement focused on reforms in security, governance, and political transparency.
On 9th August 2025, a public hearing on the charges against Masra was held, and he was sentenced to 20 years in prison and ordered to pay 1 billion CFA francs (approximately $1,717,000 USD) in damages and interest to the Chadian state. The charges included “spreading messages of a racist and xenophobic nature”, “association with criminals” related to the intercommunal conflict in Mandakao, and complicity in murder.
EXPRESSION
Chad revokes citizenship of activist and journalist
On 17th September 2025 in N’djamena, President Mahamat Idriss Déby signed a decree revoking the nationalities of blogger and human rights activist Makaila Nguebla (founder of TchadOne) and journalist Charfadine Galmaye Saleh (former adviser to the Presidency during the transition period). Nguebla and Galmaye, currently in exile due to security threats, were targeted for their outspoken criticism of the Chadian government. The government of Chad accused Nguebla and Galmaye of “intelligence with foreign powers” and “activities incompatible” with the status of a Chadian citizen. This action has created a climate of fear among journalists, activists and citizens, who now risk losing their fundamental rights and protection under the law. Nguebla filed a complaint before the French judiciary against President Mahamat Idriss Déby and several senior officials in N’Djamena, after the presidential decree stripped him of Chadian citizenship.
Activist and former intelligence officer abducted
On 19th July 2025 in Ndjamena, men dressed in military uniforms abducted activist and former intelligence officer, Abakar Adam Abakar at his home and took him to an unknown location. Abakar is known for his open criticism of the government, particularly on sensitive security issues. The Ministry of Justice has yet to open an official investigation.
Prosecution of three journalists; rejection of provisional release request
On 2nd July 2025 in N’Djamena, the Special Court rejected the provisional release request for journalists Monodji Mbaidiguim Olivier, (editor-in-chief of Le Pays and RFI correspondent), Mahamat Saleh Hisseine, (Télé Tchad journalist ), and Ndilyam Alladoum (Le Pays editor), who have been detained since 5th March at the N’Djamena detention centre. The three journalists face charges of “communication with agents of a foreign power and intelligence likely to harm Chad’s military or diplomatic situation, or its economic interests”, carrying potential sentences of one to five years. During a public hearing, the 9th deputy prosecutor called for a two-year prison sentence for Olivier and his co-accused.
As reported previously by the CIVICUS Monitor, Monodji and Alhissein were arrested in N’Djamena on 5th and 9th March 2025 on suspicion of collaborating with the Russian government. Specifically, Monodji, Guekidata and Alhissein are accused of colluding with the Russian paramilitary group Wagner by allegedly providing Russia with sensitive information related to Chad’s security and economy. Olivier and his co-accused continue to remain in detention.
Chadian public prosecutor bars independent probes into mandakao massacre
On 14th June 2025 in N’Djamena, the Chadian public prosecutor of the Court of First Instance, Oumar Mahamat Kedelaye, issued a warning prohibiting journalists and civil society actors from conducting independent investigations into the Mandakao massacre, which occurred in May 2025 in Mandakao, western Logone region. The prosecutor justified his decision “in view of the sensitivity” of the case, insisting that “any other parallel approach” to the official investigation could be liable for prosecution. The decision followed a report of the fact-finding mission of the Collectif des associations des droits de l’homme (ADH), which presented a different version of the Mandakao incident. The public prosecutor threatened legal action against journalists and civil society members attempting to probe the incident. The Mandakao attack reportedly saw the death of about 42 people, predominantly women and children from the Peul community.
ASSEMBLY
Government authorities ban several peaceful marches/protests
On 24th September 2025 in N’Djamena, the Ministry of Public Security and Immigration issued official decree No. 367/PR/PM/MSPI/SG/2025 which banned any protest planned by the Parti des nationalistes pour la justice, la paix et le développement (PNJPD). The Minister cited the PNJPD’s failure to specify the march date and non-compliance with Article 6 of ordinance No. 011/PR/2023 on public demonstrations, alongside concerns over potential public disorder as the reasons for the ban. The decree warned that party officials attempting to organise the march would face prosecution for any disturbances, damage, or infractions. Enforcement responsibilities were assigned to the Directors General of the National Police and Gendarmerie, the Commander of the National and Nomadic Guard, and the Government Delegation to N’Djamena municipality.
On 8th September 2025 in N’Djamena, the Ministry of Public Security banned a peaceful protest organised by the Parti des travailleurs pour le progrès et l’adhésion sociale (PTPAS), which was scheduled for 11th September. The ministry cited a “risk of disturbance to public order” and non-compliance with laws regulating public demonstrations as reasons for the ban.
On 22nd May 2025 in N’Djamena, the Minister of Public Security and Immigration issued an order prohibiting the Parti union nationale pour le changement (UNC) planned peaceful protests scheduled for 24th May across the entire country. The protest was intended to “demand the immediate release” of the president of the Les Transformateurs Party, Dr. Masra Succès, and Gam Robert, secretary general of the Socialist Party Without Borders (PSF), and many others. The ban was justified due to the UNC’s alleged failure to comply with Articles 5 and 6 of Ordinance No. 011/PR/2023 (1st August 2023), which regulate public demonstrations on public roads, and concerns over potential public order disturbances. The order warned that organisers would be held legally accountable for any damages, break-ins, or other offences resulting from non-compliance.
On 17th April 2025 in N’Djamena, the Ministry of Public Security and Immigration issued Order No. 126, officially banning a march planned for 20th April 2025 by the Collective of Graduates from the Higher Teacher Training Colleges awaiting integration. The graduates of the Écoles Normales Supérieures aimed to use the peaceful march as a platform to demand their speedy integration into the public service. The government justified the ban on grounds of public security amid ongoing tensions related to the graduates’ demands for integration. The Ministry communicated this prohibition to the public as a preventive measure to address these concerns.
On 13th April 2025 in Guera, the prefect of Guera Department, Salahadine Ahmat Mahamat, officially banned a planned peaceful protest by community teachers scheduled for 14th April to demand better working conditions. The ban was issued because the organisers reportedly failed to submit the required authorisation request at least seventy-two hours before the event, as mandated by law. The prefectural statement warned that anyone violating the ban would face severe legal penalties under the Republic’s laws.
ASSOCIATION
Arbitrary arrests of political opposition activist
On 22nd May 2025 in N’Djamena, agents from the intelligence service arrested and detained Siguidé Djimtoïdé, an activist affiliated with the Les Transformateurs party, who is also known as the “Chadian Revolutionary.” This arrest followed his open criticism of the government after the detention of Succès Masra. Djimtoïdé’s lawyer reported that on the day of his arrest, he received several anonymous threats from unidentified individuals inquiring about his location. According to Djimtoïdé’s family, while held at the general directorate of intelligence and investigations, Djimtoïdé was forced to make statements against his party, and his family was not allowed to visit him.
Chad abruptly terminates partnership agreement with NGO
On 6th October 2025, the Chad government terminated a 15-year long partnership with the NGO African Parks Network, which managed the Ennedi natural and cultural reserve and the Zakouma ecosystem, citing increased poaching, insufficient investment in infrastructure and community projects, and non-compliance with partnership agreements. The Minister of the Environment, Fisheries and Sustainable Development, Hassan Bakhit Djamous, emphasised these concerns as the rationale for ending the collaboration. African Parks disputed the accusations, highlighting its conservation efforts and ongoing dialogue with the government to resolve issues. The NGO has faced criticism for allegedly employing colonial and militarised methods, underscoring the tensions between conservation goals and local community rights.