Chad ends military cooperation with France amid controversy

Chad, a landlocked nation in Central Africa, recently took significant steps towards redefining its military alliances, a move that culminated in the suspension of its defense treaty with France. This decision was finalized last month, as officials from the Chadian government expressed that the agreement had become 'completely obsolete', failing to align with the country's security and geopolitical realities. The shift comes amidst a broader trend in the Sahel region, where several countries have been reevaluating their relations with former colonial powers, particularly France, in light of increasing local discontent over such partnerships. The handover of a military base at Faya-Largeau in northern Chad marked the first concrete action in the withdrawal of French troops. As part of the transition, the Chadian Army has notified the public about future French withdrawals from additional military bases in Abeche and the capital, N'Djamena. This broader disengagement reflects an ongoing transformation in France's military presence across Africa, particularly in former colonies, where a rise in anti-French sentiment and calls for national sovereignty have gained substantial traction. The decision by Chad to terminate military cooperation is significant, given the historical context of French-Chadian relations, dating back to Chad's independence in 1960. French military personnel have been deployed in the country for decades, providing crucial support in various conflict scenarios. The shift in Chad's approach to defense indicates an evolving landscape, where military agreements that once served both parties' interests are now perceived as inadequate. President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno emphasized the intention to prioritize Chad's strategic independence and sovereignty, while still remaining open to international partnerships grounded in mutual respect and reciprocal interests. As the regional political climate shifts, it is important to monitor the implications of these changes not only for Chad and France but also for the broader Sahel region. With other countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger having already sought closer ties with Russia, Chad’s realignment hints at a potential new era of international relations driven by security needs rather than historical ties. The future of military cooperation in the region will likely depend on the effectiveness of these new alliances and how they address the root causes of insecurity experienced by these nations.