France has started the process of pulling its military personnel out of Chad, following the country’s surprising decision to terminate its long-standing military cooperation with France last month.
Initial Withdrawal of French Soldiers
On Friday, a group of 120 French soldiers departed from a military airport in Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, heading back to France. This move comes a mere 10 days after French fighter jets had already left the Sahel region for the last time.
Chad’s Role in French Military Strategy
Chad has historically been a significant partner in France’s military engagements across Africa, serving as the last major base for French operations in the Sahel after the exit from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger due to political upheavals.
End of a Long-standing Agreement
On November 28, Chad declared the cessation of its defense agreement with France, marking a new chapter in its foreign policy. The French military, which had approximately 1,000 personnel stationed in Chad, has remained silent on the recent developments.
Ceremonial Departure
The departure of the French troops was attended by Chadian military officials, symbolizing the ongoing security cooperation even as military ties shift.
Shifting Alliances in the Region
Since its independence in 1960, France has maintained a continuous military presence in Chad, providing training and crucial air support against rebel forces.
Unanticipated Announcement
The decision to sever military ties was announced shortly after a visit from French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, indicating a lack of prior communication. Chad was the last Sahel nation hosting French troops, and this move follows similar sentiments expressed by Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who suggested France should remove its military bases.
Logistics of Withdrawal
The withdrawal includes plans for military equipment to be transported out of Chad using an Antonov 124 plane, with military vehicles from three French bases also set for repatriation through the port of Douala in Cameroon.
Regional Shifts Toward Russia
The withdrawal from Chad mirrors a broader trend in the region, where Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have increasingly turned to Russia for military support. Chad’s leader, General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, has also been exploring closer ties with Moscow, though significant outcomes from these discussions are yet to materialize.
A New Chapter for Chad
Deby has described the old defense agreement as outdated and misaligned with current geopolitical realities, emphasizing that Chad’s move does not signify a switch from one foreign power to another but rather a step towards asserting its sovereignty. He clarified that this action does not challenge the diplomatic relations with France.
France’s Response
France has been gearing up for a reshaping of its military presence in Africa for years, especially after being forced to withdraw from other West African nations. In a recent address from Djibouti, President Emmanuel Macron hinted at an expanded role for the French military base there.
Political Transition in Chad
The election of Mahamat Idriss Deby in May concluded a political transition period initiated by his father’s death in 2021, during which the French military had played a supportive role in combating rebel threats.
