Success Masra, a political opposition figure, was announced as the new Prime Minister of the 5th Republic of Chad following a referendum. This announcement came after the resignation of Saleh Kebzabo, the former Prime Minister. The news was broadcast live on national television, but reactions within Masra’s political party, the Transformers in Ndjamena, as well as on the streets of the capital were mixed.
While supporters gathered at Transformers party headquarters to celebrate, there were also voices of skepticism and disappointment among the population.
A resident of Ndjamena expresses both optimism and disappointment:
“We have confidence in his ability to meet the challenge that his predecessors were unable to meet. It is a positive step, but negatively, I expected Masra to become President. At the time of the Marshal, we offered him this position but he declined. So why refuse to serve the father and now serve the son? This is why many young people are disappointed today because many suffered because of Masra.”
Some feel humiliated and betrayed.
A Transformers supporter expresses her concerns:
“We want him to explain why. We will listen to him, but everything he has done is abnormal. So many people are in trouble because of him; people are in exile because of Mr. Masra. But today ‘Today he humiliated us.’
Enoch Djondang, member of civil society, emphasizes the need for peace, given the exclusion of Masra from the great national dialogue in 2023, which should be inclusive and sovereign. Djondang sees Masra’s appointment as a timely decision, avoiding potential conflicts resulting from exclusions that have historically led to unrest in Chad.
Djondang says:
“The fact that two important actors, those who control the army and the repressive apparatus, and those who influence disaffected youth in the streets, are ready to work together despite challenges and external influences, is a step towards peace for us, the Chadians.”
He believes the new prime minister can be a barrier against the problems plaguing the country, rooted in poor governance. This appointment means that two young leaders from different political backgrounds can come together to lead the country forward.
With Succès Masra only days away from forming its new government, the Chadian people await developments with a mixture of hope and skepticism for the future.