France has initiated the withdrawal of its military personnel from Chad following a sudden decision by the Chadian government to terminate long-standing military cooperation with its former colonial power. The departure marks the latest development in the shifting dynamics of France’s military presence in Africa.
The Chadian Ministry of Defense confirmed the commencement of the withdrawal on Friday. In an official statement, the ministry noted, “The General Staff of the Armed Forces informs National and International Opinion that after the withdrawal of French fighter planes from Chad, the beginning of troop withdrawal has just begun today. This sequential withdrawal of Combat Units will be carried out in conjunction with the transport of logistics.” The French forces, numbering approximately 1,000 soldiers, have been given until January 31 to complete their departure along with their equipment.
The announcement comes in the wake of a decision by the Chadian Foreign Ministry on November 28 to end military cooperation with France. This decision brought an abrupt halt to a partnership that had seen French forces stationed in Chad almost continuously since the nation gained independence in 1960. French troops and fighter aircraft have played a significant role over the decades, providing training to Chadian forces and contributing to regional security efforts.
Last month, France withdrew its fighter jets from Chad, signaling growing tensions between Paris and N’Djamena. The reasons behind Chad’s decision to terminate cooperation remain unclear, but it reflects a broader trend of declining French influence in Africa’s Sahel region.
Chad’s move follows similar decisions by neighboring Sahel countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which have seen the departure of French military units in recent years. France’s relations with these nations soured after military coups brought new administrations to power in Mali in 2020 and Burkina Faso in 2022. The new leadership in these countries has taken a more assertive stance against foreign military presence, and public sentiment has also turned against France. Anti-French protests have erupted in both Mali and Burkina Faso, with citizens demanding the removal of French forces.
Chad had been France’s last significant stronghold in the Sahel, serving as a strategic base for regional counterterrorism operations. The withdrawal from Chad signals the conclusion of a historic chapter in France’s military engagement in the region. Paris’s diminished presence raises questions about the future of security cooperation and counterterrorism strategies in the Sahel, a region plagued by instability, insurgencies, and cross-border threats.
Observers note that France’s retreat from the Sahel is emblematic of broader shifts in Africa’s geopolitical landscape. African nations are increasingly seeking to redefine their relationships with former colonial powers, emphasizing sovereignty and exploring new partnerships. For France, this trend necessitates a reassessment of its foreign policy priorities and strategies on the continent.
As the January 31 deadline approaches, logistical operations for the troop withdrawal are expected to intensify. Both Chad and France will likely face challenges in ensuring a smooth transition and managing the implications of this significant geopolitical shift. The departure underscores the growing complexities of Franco-African relations and the evolving dynamics of power and influence in the Sahel.
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