In a significant move signaling the end of a longstanding defence agreement, a French military base in Faya, Chad, has officially been handed over to Chadian authorities. The development follows N’Djamena’s decision to terminate its defence cooperation agreement with Paris less than a month ago.
French troops stationed at the Faya base, located about 780 kilometers northeast of Chad’s capital, have now relocated to N’Djamena as part of a phased withdrawal. According to military sources, the troops are expected to return to France in the coming weeks, marking the end of a key chapter in Franco-Chadian relations.
The French military confirmed that the handover was conducted in accordance with a predetermined schedule coordinated with Chadian officials. Meanwhile, authorities in Chad assured the public that updates regarding the transfer of other military bases would be communicated in due course.
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Prior to the agreement’s termination, approximately 1,000 French troops were stationed in Chad, providing intelligence and logistical support to the Chadian military. However, the pact’s end reflects a shift in Chad’s approach to its national security. Foreign Minister Mahamat Saleh Annadif emphasized the need for Chad to “assert its full sovereignty” as the primary motivation behind the decision.
This transition occurs just days ahead of Chad’s legislative, provincial, and local elections, underscoring a period of political and strategic reorientation for the Central African nation. The handover represents a broader effort by Chad to reshape its foreign partnerships while reinforcing its autonomy on security matters.
Observers note that the departure of French troops may signal a recalibration of France’s military presence in Africa, as Paris faces increasing scrutiny over its role in the region. For Chad, the development marks a moment of national assertion, as the country steps into a new era of self-determination.