Chad announced on Thursday, November 29, 2024, that it would be ending its military cooperation with France, following a visit by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.
The decision was revealed by Chad’s Foreign Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, who stated on Facebook that the government had informed both national and international communities of its decision to terminate the defense agreement signed with France.
Chad, which remains a strategic partner for France in the Sahel region, has been a key link in France’s military operations in Africa, especially after France’s forced withdrawal of troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger due to escalating tensions with those governments.
The termination of military cooperation with Chad comes as a significant shift in France’s military presence in the region, with Chad being the last Sahel country to host French troops.
In his statement, Koulamallah clarified that this move was not an outright break with France, akin to the situations in Mali, Burkina Faso, or Niger.
He emphasized that while Chad continues to regard France as an “essential partner,” it must now be acknowledged that Chad has matured and is a sovereign state that values its autonomy. “Chad has grown up, matured, and is a sovereign state that is very jealous of its sovereignty,” Koulamallah said.
The decision follows a period of growing anti-French sentiment in the region, where several countries have taken similar steps to sever military ties with France.
Chad, which continues to host around 1,000 French troops, has relied on French military support to combat threats from militant groups, including Boko Haram.
However, in recent months, Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Deby has been seeking to diversify the country’s international relations, including strengthening ties with Russia. Though Chad has explored closer economic cooperation with Moscow, these talks have yet to result in concrete agreements.
Koulamallah described the decision as a “historic turning point” for Chad, stating it was made after “in-depth analysis.” He also confirmed that Chad would respect the terms of the defense agreement’s termination, including the necessary notice period for the withdrawal of French troops, though no specific date for their departure has been given.
This announcement also follows similar remarks made by Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who stated that France should close its military bases in Senegal, citing the country’s sovereignty and the growing sentiment against foreign military presence in the region.
Chad’s decision to end its military cooperation with France highlights the changing dynamics in African diplomacy and security, with growing calls for African nations to assert greater control over their own defense and international relations.
The move is seen as part of a broader trend of African nations seeking to reduce their reliance on former colonial powers and strengthen alternative partnerships.
