Another Major Blow for France as Chad Ends Military Cooperation
November 29, 2024
By Boris Esono Nwenfor
France has long maintained a military presence in Chad, a key ally in the fight against jihadist groups in the Sahel
BUEA, Cameroon – In a significant diplomatic setback for France, Chad has announced that it is ending its military cooperation with the former colonial power, further eroding France's influence in the Sahel region. The decision, made on Thursday, November 28, comes amid a wave of anti-French sentiment sweeping across several African nations.
"The government of the Republic of Chad informs the national and international opinion of its decision to end the accord in the field of defence signed with the French Republic," Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah said in a statement on Facebook.
The Chadian government stated that the move reflects its desire to assert greater sovereignty over its military operations and reduce dependency on external forces. The announcement coincides with a broader trend of African nations reevaluating their post-colonial ties to France, often spurred by dissatisfaction with the perceived outcomes of these partnerships.
Koulamallah called the decision to end military cooperation a “historic turning point”, adding it was made after “in-depth analysis”. Chad is the last Sahel country to host French troops. It has been led by Deby since 2021, when his father Idriss Deby Itno was killed by rebels after 30 years in power.
"Chad, by the provisions of the agreement, undertakes to respect the terms laid down for its termination, including the notice period", he said in the statement, which did not give a date for the withdrawal of French troops.
“This is not a break with France like Niger or elsewhere,” Koulamallah, whose country still hosts around a thousand French troops, told AFP.
At a press briefing after a meeting between President Mahamat Idriss Deby and Barrot, Koulamallah called France “an essential partner” but added it “must now also consider that Chad has grown up, matured and is a sovereign state that is very jealous of its sovereignty”.
France has long maintained a military presence in Chad, a key ally in the fight against jihadist groups in the Sahel. However, growing public discontent in Chad and across the region over France's role has fueled calls to reassess these arrangements.
Chad’s decision follows similar moves by Mali and Burkina Faso, which earlier this year ended military agreements with France and expelled French troops. Niger, another Sahelian country, has also witnessed strained relations with Paris following a military coup and subsequent demands for the withdrawal of French forces.
Chad is the last Sahel country to host French troops. It has been led by Deby since 2021, when his father Idriss Deby Itno was killed by rebels after 30 years in power
French officials have yet to issue a detailed response to Chad's announcement but have previously expressed concerns about the increasing isolation of French forces in the Sahel. Analysts suggest that France’s diminishing influence in the region could embolden other African nations to reassess their ties with the country.
Critics of the French presence argue that its military interventions have failed to bring lasting peace to the region, with terrorist activity and instability persisting despite years of cooperation. On the other hand, supporters contend that France’s presence is crucial to combating extremist threats and maintaining regional stability.
The end of military cooperation with Chad raises questions about the future of counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel and the broader geopolitical implications for France and its standing on the African continent.
This latest development underscores the shifting dynamics of African politics, as nations increasingly assert their independence and seek alternative partnerships to address their security and development challenges. For France, the decision represents not just a blow to its military strategy but also a broader challenge to its historical influence in Africa.
Over the last two years, France has been forced to pull out its troops from three Western African countries — Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso — following military coups. In some cases, they have sought closer ties with China and Russia.
In another blow to France's position in Africa, Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye told French TV on Thursday that it was inappropriate for French troops to maintain a presence in his country.
“Senegal is an independent country, it is a sovereign country and sovereignty does not accept the presence of military bases in a sovereign country,” Faye told AFP on Thursday.
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If this true and real, than it is about time. Good riddance to bad rubbish.The French have reaped enough from Africa. Other French speaking African countries should kick them out.The partnership has to be different now.
If this true and real, than it is about time. Good riddance to bad rubbish.The French have reaped enough from Africa. Other French speaking African countries should kick them out.The partnership has to be different now.