YAOUNDE - Former Chadian Prime Minister Succes Masra was arrested early Friday in connection with a probe into allegations of inciting the public to hatred and hostility, according to the country's attorney general, Oumar Mahamat Kedelaye.

"Following the violence of May 14, 2025, in Logone Occidental, investigations conducted by the judicial police revealed the alleged involvement of Mr. Succes Masra... in particular through hateful messages circulated on social media calling on the population to arm themselves," Kedelaye told a briefing in the capital, N'Djamena.

He was referring to clashes on Wednesday triggered by a land dispute between farmers and herders in Mandakao Village in Logone Occidental Province, which led to the death of about 40 people.

In addition to Masra, now president of the opposition political party The Transformers, more than 80 others identified as alleged perpetrators, co-perpetrators, or accomplices in the deadly violence have also been arrested, Kedelaye said.

"Since public action has been initiated, the legal proceedings are continuing and all those involved will have to answer for their actions in accordance with the laws of the republic," he said.

Masra went into exile in 2022 but later returned to the country and was appointed prime minister by President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno.

After serving as prime minister for five months in 2024, Masra resigned to pave the way for the formation of a new government.