Chad’s prosecutor has launched an investigation into Succes Masra, the former prime minister and current opposition leader, over his alleged involvement in a clash that killed 42 people, mostly women and children, in the southwest province of Logone Occidental.
Masra was arrested at his home by the judicial police and is being investigated on charges including incitement to hatred and revolt, complicity in murder, and desecration of graves.
The prosecutor claims Masra’s alleged involvement incited the population against a community residing in the same locality, with messages circulated on social networks calling on the population to arm themselves against other citizens.
Masra’s party, Transformateurs, has dismissed the charges, saying he cannot be held responsible for the government’s incompetence in curbing inter-community conflicts.