Chad’s Junta Leader Appoints Pro-Democracy Figure as Prime Minister

FILE - Chadian opposition leader Succes Masra (C) waves while arriving to a polling station to cast his vote during the constitutional referendum in N'Djamena, on Dec. 17, 2023.

Chad’s military leader has appointed a former opposition leader and pro-democracy figure, Success Masra, as prime minister in a newly-appointed transitional government. Opposition and civil society groups are skeptical that Masra, who recently returned from exile, can convince military ruler Mahamat Idriss Deby to give up power. But Marsa says his appointment does not stop him from making sure Chad carries out elections later this year and returns to civilian rule.