Chad has announced the termination of its defense cooperation agreement with France, its former colonial ruler, necessitating the withdrawal of French military personnel from the Central African nation.
Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah acknowledged France as “an essential partner” but emphasized that Chad has evolved into a mature, sovereign state that is protective of its independence.
According to Africa24hrs, this announcement came shortly after a visit from French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Thursday. Historically, Chad has collaborated closely with Western military forces, but in recent years, it has shifted its alignment towards Russia.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this decision to end the agreement, which was updated in 2019, will allow Chad to reassess and redefine its strategic alliances.
Currently, approximately 1,000 French soldiers and warplanes are stationed in Chad, making it the last country in the Sahel region to host French troops. France has recently withdrawn its forces from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso due to military coups. Koulamallah did not specify a timeline for the withdrawal of French troops.
He addressed the media during a press briefing on Thursday following a meeting with Barrot and President Mahamat Idriss Deby, who is pursuing stronger relations with Russia.
“The government of the Republic of Chad wishes to inform both national and international audiences of its decision to terminate the defense agreement established with the French Republic,” Koulamallah stated in a Facebook post.
Deby took the oath of office as president in May after serving three years as an interim leader under military governance. His father, Idriss Deby, had been in power since a coup in the early 1990s.
Chad, which is landlocked, shares borders with the Central African Republic, Sudan, Libya, and Niger, all of which are home to paramilitary forces affiliated with Russia’s Wagner Group.
In a statement released by the Foreign Ministry on Thursday, it was noted that Chad, a significant Western ally in combating armed groups in the region, aims to fully assert its sovereignty after 66 years of independence.
“In line with the terms of the agreement, Chad will adhere to the procedures for termination, including the necessary timelines, and will work with French authorities to ensure a smooth transition,” the statement added.
In an interview with French state television on Thursday, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye remarked that it was inappropriate for French troops to remain in his country, although he did not specify if or when they would be requested to depart. Approximately 350 French soldiers are stationed in Senegal.
Mahamat Idris Deby while serving as interim military leader of Chad after the dead of his father Idris Deby
