The streets of Chad have erupted in celebration following the government’s decision to end its military cooperation agreement with France. Thousands of Chadians gathered in demonstrations, waving flags and chanting slogans advocating sovereignty. This decision marks a significant shift in Chad’s foreign policy and reflects growing anti-French sentiment across Francophone Africa.
Chad’s Sovereign Stance
On November 29, 2024, Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah announced the termination of Chad’s defence cooperation accord with its former colonial power, France. Speaking to the press, Koulamallah described France as “an essential partner” but emphasized that Chad is now a “sovereign state that is very jealous of its sovereignty.”
This announcement coincided with a visit from French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and follows Chad’s recent efforts to redefine its strategic alliances. While France has been a significant ally in military operations, Koulamallah’s statement signals a broader intention to move beyond dependence on Western powers.
Broader Regional Context
Chad’s decision mirrors similar moves by other Sahel and Francophone countries. Over the past two years, French troops have been expelled from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso following military coups and escalating anti-French sentiment. These nations have increasingly aligned themselves with Russia, and Chad appears to be following a similar trajectory.
President Mahamat Idriss Deby, who assumed office in May after serving as interim leader since 2021, has sought to diversify Chad’s international partnerships. Deby’s government is now focused on asserting full sovereignty, a goal emphasized in a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “Chad wants to fully assert its sovereignty after 66 years of independence.”
Implications for French Troops
France currently maintains approximately 1,000 soldiers and warplanes in Chad, the last Sahel nation hosting French forces. The defence accord, last revised in 2019, will be terminated in accordance with agreed timelines. Both French and Chadian authorities have pledged to ensure a smooth transition.
French Foreign Ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine acknowledged the changing dynamics, stating, “France has been holding nearly two years of talks and reflection with our partners on the reconfiguration of our military presence in Africa. In that context, we have been in close dialogue with the Chadian authorities.”
Koulamallah, however, did not specify a withdrawal timeline, leaving the exact departure date of French troops uncertain.
Growing Russian Influence
Chad’s pivot away from France comes amid increasing Russian influence in the region. The country shares borders with Sudan, Libya, and the Central African Republic, all of which host paramilitary forces from Russia’s Wagner Group. While Chad has yet to formalize a significant military partnership with Russia, its recent actions align with a broader regional shift towards Moscow.
Regional Domino Effect
Chad’s decision has prompted discussions in neighboring nations. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye expressed reservations about the continued presence of French troops, though he refrained from specifying a timeline for their removal. Currently, Senegal hosts 350 French soldiers.
Chad’s Path Forward
As the country navigates its post-French alliance era, the government has emphasized its commitment to orderly transitions. “Chad will respect the modalities of the termination and collaborate with French authorities to ensure a harmonious transition,” the Foreign Ministry affirmed.
This development marks a turning point for Chad, symbolizing its determination to assert independence and redefine its position on the global stage.
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