Chad - May 2026

On 8 May, the High Court in N'Djamena sentenced eight leaders of the opposition coalition Political Actors Consultation Group (GCAP), one of the country's principal opposition alliances and the only political movement to have systematically challenged President Mahamat Idriss Déby's electoral mandate, to eight years in prison. The opposition figures had been arrested the previous month on charges including insurrection, rebellion and disturbing public order, and were also fined, while authorities ordered the dissolution of the coalition. The prosecution was a response to GCAP calling for a 2 May protest march against what it described as injustice, exclusion and restrictions on political freedoms. Government officials argued that the case concerned actions threatening public order and state stability. The ruling drew criticism from opposition groups and rights advocates, who argued that the prosecution and dissolution of GCAP further narrowed political space in a country already facing concerns over restrictions on dissent and opposition activity. 

Sources: The Washington Post; Africa News; AP news;