In a significant geopolitical shift, Chad has announced the termination of its defence cooperation agreement with France, signaling the departure of French military forces from the Central African country. This move, announced on Thursday by Chad’s Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah, underscores the nation’s growing emphasis on sovereignty and redefined strategic partnerships.
Koulamallah referred to France as “an essential partner” but stressed the evolving nature of Chad’s relationship with its former colonial power. “Chad has grown up, matured, and is a sovereign state that is very jealous of its sovereignty,” he stated during a press briefing following a meeting between French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby.
Chad has been a key ally for Western nations in combating armed groups across the Sahel region. France currently has around 1,000 troops and warplanes stationed in the country, making Chad the last Sahel nation to host French troops following withdrawals from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
This decision comes amidst Chad’s growing alignment with Russia, as the nation seeks to redefine its international alliances. The agreement, last revised in 2019, will be phased out in accordance with its terms, ensuring a “harmonious transition,” according to the Chadian Foreign Ministry.
“The government of the Republic of Chad informs national and international opinion of its decision to end the accord in the field of defence signed with the French Republic,” Koulamallah announced on social media.
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While no specific timeline was provided for the withdrawal of French troops, the statement emphasized Chad’s intention to assert its sovereignty after 66 years of independence.
In response to Chad’s decision, Christophe Lemoine, a spokesman for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, acknowledged the ongoing reconfiguration of France’s military presence in Africa. “We have been holding nearly two years of talks and reflection with our partners on the reconfiguration of our military presence in Africa,” he said.
France has been recalibrating its role in the region following a series of military coups that led to the loss of its military foothold in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. These developments, coupled with Chad’s decision, signal a diminishing French influence in the Sahel.
President Mahamat Idriss Déby, who was sworn in as president in May after three years of interim military rule, has sought closer ties with Russia, reflecting a broader regional trend. Chad shares borders with nations like the Central African Republic and Sudan, where Russia’s Wagner Group has established a significant presence.
The Chadian government’s decision to end its defence agreement with France follows similar sentiments from other African leaders. For instance, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye recently questioned the appropriateness of maintaining French troops in Senegal, although he stopped short of specifying whether they would be asked to leave.
Chad’s strategic importance in the fight against armed groups cannot be understated. However, its pivot away from France and closer alignment with Russia introduces uncertainties for regional stability and Western efforts in the Sahel.
While Chad has pledged to collaborate with French authorities to ensure a smooth transition, the move underscores a broader reorientation of African nations seeking to assert their independence and diversify their international partnerships
