Hundreds march in Chad demanding French troops leave

In N'Djamena, Chad, hundreds of demonstrators gathered on December 6, 2024, expressing their demand for the withdrawal of French troops from the country. This protest follows Chad's recent announcement to terminate a military cooperation agreement with France, aimed at redefining its strategic partnerships to align with national priorities. This withdrawal request is tied to growing sentiment against foreign military presence, particularly following regional shifts where countries like Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso moved away from France and strengthened ties with Russia. Protesters voiced their sentiments with chants like 'Chad for us, France out!' and displayed banners that expressed their desire to see no French presence in the country. Among the demonstrators was former Minister of Public Health Dr. Hissein Massar, who stated that the protest would only cease once French troops departed. The French military has around 1,000 personnel stationed in Chad, focusing primarily on countering threats from extremist groups in the region. The protest and the government's decision to end the military agreement highlight a significant shift in Chad’s foreign policy and its commitment to sovereignty in recent years. Chad's interim government, headed by Mahamat Deby Itno, has been navigating these geopolitical issues following a recent extension of its transition period, which caused widespread local unrest. This decision reflects broader trends in the Sahel region, where many countries are reassessing long-standing military ties with France, often a result of local populations feeling disillusioned with the efficacy of foreign military support in combating terrorism. As global dynamics shift, the government of Chad insists that their historical ties with France will remain, despite current changes in military cooperation.