On Thursday, November 28, Chad formally announced the termination of its longstanding military cooperation agreement with France. The decision was revealed shortly after French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot concluded an official visit to the nation.
Abderaman Koulamallah, Chad’s Foreign Minister, conveyed the announcement via a statement on Facebook, saying, “The government of the Republic of Chad informs national and international opinion of its decision to end the accord in the field of defence signed with the French Republic.”
Chad has historically been a cornerstone of France’s military strategy in Africa, particularly as Paris has faced increasing resistance in the Sahel. Recent years have seen France’s military ousted from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, leaving Chad as its last stronghold in the region.
Koulamallah clarified that the move does not signify a total severance of relations with France. “This is not a break with France like Niger or elsewhere,” he explained, pointing out that approximately 1,000 French troops remain stationed in Chad.
Speaking after a meeting between Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby and French Foreign Minister Barrot, Koulamallah spoke on the evolving nature of Chad’s relationship with France. He described France as an important partner but emphasized Chad’s sovereignty.
“France must now also consider that Chad has grown up, matured, and is a sovereign state that is very jealous of its sovereignty,” he stated.
While Barrot has not commented on Chad’s decision, Koulamallah noted that the move followed extensive internal deliberations and that Chad intends to honor the agreement’s notice period. However, no specific timeline has been provided for the eventual withdrawal of French forces.
Chad’s decision comes amidst a backdrop of growing skepticism toward French military presence across Africa. President Déby, who assumed office in 2021 following the death of his father, Idriss Déby Itno, has maintained Chad’s role as a key player in regional security. Under the elder Déby, French forces played a critical role in repelling insurgencies, particularly during crises in 2008 and 2019.
The nation continues to face security challenges from groups such as Boko Haram and militant factions operating near its borders.
Chad has explored deepening ties with Moscow, including potential economic cooperation, but these discussions have yet to yield substantive outcomes.
