France has initiated the withdrawal of its military presence from Chad, signaling a further decline in its influence across its former African colonies. The move follows Chad’s decision to terminate long-standing military cooperation with Paris, a relationship that spanned decades.
On Tuesday, two Mirage fighter jets stationed in N’Djamena were flown back to a base in eastern France, marking the first phase of the military pullout. Colonel Guillaume Vernet, the French army spokesperson, confirmed the return of the aircraft and described it as “the beginning of the return of French equipment stationed in Chad.”
The development comes just weeks after Chad’s Foreign Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, announced the end of military collaboration with France. Despite this, Koulamallah emphasized Chad’s commitment to maintaining constructive relations with France in other areas of mutual interest, highlighting a desire to preserve diplomatic ties even as military cooperation dissolves.
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France has maintained approximately 1,000 troops in Chad, which has served as a key ally in the Sahel region, particularly in combating terrorism. However, the withdrawal reflects a broader shift in the geopolitical landscape, as anti-French sentiment continues to rise in the region.
This sentiment has grown alongside a wave of military coups since 2020, with leaders expressing frustration over what they see as France’s interference in their internal affairs. Chad’s decision aligns with similar actions in neighboring countries. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye recently requested the removal of French troops, citing concerns about national sovereignty.
Chad has often been considered one of the West’s last reliable partners in the Sahel, a region grappling with security challenges and instability. However, the increasing disdain for France’s presence underscores the changing dynamics in Franco-African relations.
As France continues to recalibrate its strategy in Africa, questions remain about how these developments will impact regional security and partnerships in the Sahel.