Succès Masra, a politician from Chad, became the country’s first prime minister after the 5th Republic Constitution was ratified. Minister Mahamat Ahmad Alhabo made the announcement on January 1st on national television.
“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 has not yet responded to his nomination. It follows the resignation of Saleh Kebzabo’s administration on December 30.
A new Constitution was enacted on December 17th following its promulgation by military ruler Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno one day earlier on December 29.
On November 3, long time opposition leader Succès Masra made a return trip to Chad. Along with other opposition leaders, he had fled the Sahelian nation following the violent suppression of protests against military rule that had taken place the previous year.
Officially, last year’s protests claimed lives of about fifty people. At least 300 people were reportedly killed on October 20 after Transitional President Mahamat Deby broke his promise to hold elections, according to the opposition and independent observers.
