Chad is celebrating its 65th independence anniversary today, Monday, against a tense political backdrop. In a national address on the eve of the festivities, President Mahamat Déby Itno urged citizens to safeguard peace and unity as the nation navigates heightened security challenges.

The celebrations come just a day after the sentencing of opposition leader Succès Masra to 20 years in prison, along with a fine of 1 billion CFA francs. He was convicted of spreading “racist and xenophobic” messages, a charge his supporters say is politically motivated.

Masra’s imprisonment has cast uncertainty over his political career, with critics warning it could further polarise the political landscape at a time when the country is striving for stability.