The political situation in Chad don become more tense as government actions against opposition groups raise serious worries about democracy in the country.

Just two weeks after eight opposition leaders were arrested for planning a protest march against governance issues, dem were sentenced to eight years in prison without parole.

Their coalition, the Political Actors Consultation Group (GCAP), wey serve as one of the main opposition blocs, was also dissolved by the Supreme Court a day before their sentencing.This move effectively weaken organised opposition in the country.

Among those affected is key opposition figure Succès Masra, leader of The Transformers party, who was earlier jailed for 20 years in August 2025 over allegations of incitement to hatred.

These developments have left President Mahamat Idriss Déby’s ruling party with very little structured opposition, raising fears of increasing authoritarian control.The report also highlight say public demonstrations in Chad don face systematic bans for over six years, with past protests violently suppressed.One major incident in October 2022 reportedly led to around 200 deaths and many injuries during crackdown on demonstrators.

Civil society groups and legal teams argue say recent trials were rushed and politically motivated, with accusations like armed assembly, rebellion, and possession of military weapons strongly disputed.

International bodies like the United Nations don express concern over shrinking civic space and call for respect for human rights, freedom of expression, and peaceful assembly.

Observers also warn that constitutional changes and repeated extensions of presidential terms could further entrench one-party dominance if opposition voices continue to be silenced.

The article concludes that unless dialogue resumes and democratic freedoms are restored, Chad risk sliding back into a system where political pluralism no longer exists.