Chad announced Thursday it is terminating its defense cooperation agreement with France, marking a historic break with its former colonial ruler as the Central African nation moves to redefine its sovereignty after more than 60 years of independence.
The decision leaves France with diminishing influence in the Sahel region, having already been ousted from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso in recent years. Chad had been one of the last countries maintaining a significant French military presence, with approximately 1,000 troops stationed there.
“This decision would allow Chad to redefine its strategic partnerships in line with national priorities,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Abderaman Koulamallah said in a statement. The announcement did not specify when French forces must depart.
Analysts suggest the move by interim President Mahamat Deby Itno, who seized power after his father’s death fighting rebels in 2021, could open opportunities for other nations, particularly Russia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. “Deby has been seeking to diversify its security partnerships away from exclusive deals. He doesn’t trust (French President Emmanuel) Macron… He can also not ignore widespread anti-French sentiment,” said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at Konrad Adenauer foundation in Mali.
The shift away from French military presence appears to be gaining momentum across former colonies. Hours after Chad’s announcement, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye told Le Monde it was “obvious” French troops would soon leave his country, where 350 personnel remain. “It’s not because the French have been there since the slavery period that it’s impossible to do otherwise,” Faye said.
Chad emphasized that the termination does not question historical ties with France and expressed desire to maintain relations in other areas of common interest.
