Following a foiled coup attempt on January 8, 2025, Chad finds itself at the center of a geopolitical tug-of-war, as its growing ties with Russia and China threaten to rupture its already shaky historic relationship with France. The realignment which comes after the Chinese foreign minister visited N’Djamena, underscores a broader shift in African nations seeking alternatives to Western influence.
Chad/ Destabilisation Attempt: Rapprochement with Russia, China vs Rupture with France
Chad’s recent political turbulence, marked by the foiled coup attempt on January 8, 2025, has sparked wider conversations about the country’s shifting alliances and its geopolitical future. As President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno’s government consolidates control, analysts point to Chad’s warming relations with Russia and China as potential factors contributing to strained ties with France, its traditional ally.
The context of the coup attempt comes shortly after Wang Yi, Chinese foreign minister’s visit to N’Djamena where both leaders pledged strategic partnership.
In recent months, Chad has deepened its engagement with Russia, including increased military cooperation and economic agreements, particularly in the mining and energy sectors. China, too, has expanded its footprint in Chad, investing heavily in infrastructure projects under its Belt and Road Initiative. These moves reflect a broader trend of African nations diversifying their partnerships and seeking alternatives to Western influence.
However, these shifts have not come without tensions. France, long a dominant player in Chad’s politics and security, appears increasingly sidelined. Critics argue that Chad’s rapprochement with Russia and China undermines its historic ties with Paris, potentially jeopardizing security cooperation against regional threats like Boko Haram. Proponents, however, see this as an opportunity for Chad to assert greater sovereignty and diversify its diplomatic ties.
The foiled coup has further complicated the landscape, with speculation that foreign influence, possibly from France, may have played a role in the destabilisation attempt. Whether this marks a definitive rupture in Chad-France relations or a recalibration of Chad’s foreign policy remains to be seen. For now, Chad stands at a crossroads, navigating a delicate balance between old alliances and new partnerships in an increasingly multipolar world.
