As France’s presence continues to wane across Africa, a recent blow has seen Chad end its defence cooperation with the former colonial master. The decision on Thursday comes after the French president called for a reduction of troops in Chad, Gabon and Ivory Coast. It is worthy of note that Senegal’s president also voiced his concerns around the French troops in his country.
Chad’s government has announced the termination of its defence cooperation pact with France, a move that could see French troops leave the Central African country and come as a blow to France’s position in Africa.
In a statement on Thursday, Chad’s foreign ministry said the nation’s decision amid the fight against Islamic militants in the region, wanted to fully assert its sovereignty after more than six decades of independence. It added that it in no way undermines the partnership between the two countries.
Given the recent rapprochement between Chad and other foreign allies like Russia, experts believe the decision to end the defence cooperation agreement revised in 2019 would enable N’Djamena redefine its strategic partnerships.
The decision is another nail in the box of France’s historic and colonial role in West and Central Africa after being forced to pull its troops out of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso following military takeovers.
Similarly, the military governments have since turned to Russia, which has forces deployed across the Sahel region, and has been fostering closer ties with Chad’s President Mahamat Deby.
Last week, French president Macron handed over a report with proposals on reducing French troops in Chad, Gabon and Ivory Coast, where it has deployed thousands of troops for decades. In response, France’s foreign minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, on Thursday visited Chad’s border with Sudan. France currently has around 1,000 troops as well as warplanes stationed in Chad.
In a further blow to France, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye said in an interview with French state TV on Thursday that it was inappropriate for French troops to maintain a presence in his country.
