France has officially begun withdrawing its military forces from Chad, marking a significant turning point in the geopolitical landscape of Africa. This move comes after Chad abruptly ended its long-standing military cooperation agreement with France, the former colonial power. The departure of French troops raises questions about the future of security in the Sahel region and the shifting alliances of African nations.
Key Takeaways:
- French forces are leaving Chad after decades of military presence.
- This follows Chad’s decision to end a defense accord with France.
- The withdrawal could impact regional security and alliances.
France’s Military Exit From Chad
The French military presence in Chad has been a constant since the country’s independence in 1960. Their troops and fighter jets have been instrumental in training the Chadian military and providing crucial air support against rebel forces. However, the recent decision by Chad to terminate military cooperation marks a dramatic shift in the relationship between the two nations.
The Beginning of the Withdrawal
On a Friday, a contingent of 120 French soldiers departed from a military airport in N’Djamena, the Chadian capital, headed for France. This happened just 10 days after the departure of French fighter aircraft from the country. The withdrawal was done in the presence of Chadian military officials, which is a signal for ongoing cooperation in the area of security despite the ending of the defense agreement.
A Shift in Alliances
Chad’s move comes amid a broader trend in the Sahel region, where nations like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have recently forced French troops out of their countries. These nations have been moving towards closer ties with Russia. Although Chad’s leader, General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, has also been seen to seek closer ties with Moscow, he also declared that Chad would not follow “a logic of substitution of one power for another”.
Why is This Happening Now?
The decision by Chad to end the defense accord with France was announced shortly after a visit by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. This seemed to take the French delegation by surprise, indicating a lack of communication and a strained relationship. Furthermore, the move comes after Senegal’s President also called for France to close its military bases in his country.
Logistics of the Withdrawal
Military equipment, including vehicles from three French bases, will be transported back to France via the Cameroonian port of Douala. This logistical operation highlights the complexity of moving military assets, and that will take some time to be completed.
Chad’s Perspective
Chad’s President, Deby, described the defense agreement with France as “completely obsolete,” no longer reflecting current realities. He stressed that this was not a rejection of international cooperation or diplomatic relations with France, but rather a desire for a more modern and relevant partnership. This comes after the election of Deby in May, who ended a three-year political transition triggered by his father’s death.
The Future of French Military Presence
President Macron has stated that France has been anticipating a “reorganization” of its military relations in the region. It is an interesting move, that France is moving its military focus to the base in Djibouti. This may signal a new approach to security and partnerships in the African continent.
Additional Information
It is important to note, that France’s military involvement in Chad has been crucial for training the Chadian military, and also providing air support against the rebels. This move could lead to some uncertainty about the stability of the region, especially if no other military partner is quickly established. French fighter aircraft have been based in Chad almost continuously since 1960. Chadian forces have also received training from the French military over the years.
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