By John Ikani
Chadian politician Succès Masra has emerged as the inaugural Prime Minister under the recently adopted 5th Republic Constitution of the nation.
1st Minister Mahamat Ahmad Alhabo made this known in an announcement via national television on January 1st.
“Through decree 012024 signed on January 1st, 204 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 leader of the “Les Transformateurs” party, Dr. Succès Masra, has not yet reacted to the appointment.
The development comes after the resignation of Saleh Kebzabo’s government on December 30.
It also comes a day after Military Ruler Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno enacted a new Constitution on December 29, endorsed in a referendum held on December 17.
Succès Masra, a longstanding opposition figure, returned to Chad on November 3rd.
He had departed the Sahelian nation along with fellow opposition leaders following the violent suppression of last year’s demonstrations against military rule.
Officially, approximately 50 casualties were reported in the protests last year.
However, both the opposition and independent observers contend that at least 300 lives were lost on October 20 after Transitional President Mahamat Deby reneged on his commitment to conduct elections.
Masra’s return ensued after he reached an agreement with the military regime. However, the remaining factions of Chad’s opposition, many of whose leaders are still in exile, criticized the deal, alleging it includes amnesty for those accountable for last year’s fatal crackdown on demonstrators.
