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Chad was one of the last countries in the region in which France maintained a large military presence, having been ousted in recent years from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso after years of fighting Islamic extremists alongside regional troops. Those countries have inched closer to Russia.
Chad’s government is ending a defense cooperation agreement with France, its former colonial ruler, to redefine the nation’s sovereignty. The decision marks a historic turning point after the Central African country gained independence more than six decades ago.
The decision to end the agreement would allow Chad to redefine its strategic partnerships in line with national priorities. A response from the French government is awaited.
Chad was one of the last countries in the region in which France maintained a large military presence, having been ousted in recent years from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso after years of fighting Islamic extremists alongside regional troops. Those countries have inched closer to Russia.
Chad’s interim president, Mahamat Deby Itno, seized power after his father, who ran the country for more than three decades, was killed fighting rebels in 2021. Last year, the government announced it was extending the 18-month transition for two more years.
France has maintained about 1,000 troops in Chad, and the statement didn’t specify when they have to leave. Chad said the decision in no way calls into question the countries’ historical ties and that it wants to maintain relations in other areas of common interest.
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France still has 350 troops in Senegal, another former colony, which remains a security partner in the region. But the French military presence there also appears to be under threat.
