Dec 3, 2024 Story by: Editor
Chad has decided to end its longstanding defense partnership with France, a significant move that signals the waning of French military influence in Africa’s Sahel region. This development follows the recent expulsion of French troops from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, countries battling insurgencies. Known for its robust military presence in the Sahel, France now faces the collapse of its influence in this strategically critical region.
Chad’s decision, announced by Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah, marks a major shift in the nation’s foreign relations. Koulamallah described the move as “a historic turning point,” asserting, “It is time for Chad to assert its sovereignty.”
This move will likely lead to the withdrawal of the roughly 1,000 French troops stationed in Chad. Analysts warn that the vacuum could pave the way for greater Russian influence, as evidenced by the presence of the Wagner Group in neighboring countries like the Central African Republic.
France expressed surprise at the announcement, with a French foreign ministry spokesperson stating Friday that Chadian authorities had communicated “their desire to see the security and defense partnership evolve,” and that France had “taken note” of the decision.
The implications extend beyond Chad. Senegal’s president also recently called for French troops to exit, further signaling a broader shift away from French alliances in the region.
Chad has been central to France’s military strategy in Africa, thanks to its highly skilled troops and pivotal role in quelling Islamist insurgencies. French forces have frequently intervened to support Chadian regimes, including a decisive 2019 operation to protect longtime leader Idriss Déby. French President Emmanuel Macron underscored this commitment at Déby’s funeral in 2021, declaring, “France will never allow the stability and integrity of Chad to be called into question.”
However, Déby’s successor and son, Mahamat, appears to be seeking new alliances. His visit to Moscow in January and his strong rhetoric, such as “Those who don’t respect us, get out!” during a May rally, reflecting the growing anti-French sentiment among Chad’s youth and leadership.
Experts, like Charles Bouëssel of the International Crisis Group, suggest this move bolsters Déby’s domestic popularity. “It’s a shock move that has a lot of significance for the population,” Bouëssel remarked, noting Chad was “the last domino in the Sahel that hadn’t gotten out of France’s domain.”
Adding to the complexity, the U.S. pulled 75 Special Forces troops from Chad earlier this year after tensions arose over their presence. Meanwhile, France’s decision comes on the heels of its foreign minister’s visit and a report recommending a reduced but continued French presence in Africa.
This decision underscores a broader trend of African nations reassessing their post-colonial ties, signaling a significant realignment in regional geopolitics. Source: The New York Times
