Chad opposition figure Succès Masra appointed PM

Chad's transitional leader General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno has appointed long-time opposition figure Succès Masra as the country's new prime minister.

Mr Masra, who was previously a critic of the military-led government, returned from exile in November last year and backed the recent constitutional referendum spearheaded by Gen Itno.

Mr Masra will serve through the transition to civilian rule, Mahamat Ahmad Alhabo, Chad’s new secretary-general of the presidency, said on Monday.

He had left the country along with other opposition leaders after demonstrations held last year to protest military rule were violently repressed.

Mr Masra, the president of The Transformers party, signed a reconciliation agreement with Chad's military government in October last year and pledged to "continue dialogue... with a view to a peaceful political solution".

Several other Chad's opposition politicians, many of whom remain in exile, denounced the deal which allegedly included an amnesty for those responsible for killing demonstrators last year.