Chad has recently announced the termination of its military cooperation agreement with France, marking a significant change in relations between the two nations. This startling decision was made public just hours before French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot's visit to the central African nation.
The Chadian government's statement, delivered on November 28, 2024, emphasized the need for Chad to assert its sovereignty and redefine its strategic partnerships to align with national priorities. The foreign minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, explained, “After 66 years since the proclamation of the Republic of Chad, the time has come for Chad to assert its full and complete sovereignty.” This reflects the mood of the region, where countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have also moved to curtail French military cooperation.
Under the previous agreement signed and revised several times since 2019, France maintained approximately 1,000 troops within Chad, engaged primarily in logistics and intelligence support for the Chadian military. The abrupt decision raises questions about the future of these troops, whose withdrawal timeline remains unspecified. Koulamallah assured, "Chad will respect the terms and conditions of ending the agreement, including the notice period, and will work with the French authorities for a harmonious transition.”
The timing of this announcement is particularly intriguing, occurring just hours after Barrot’s meeting with Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby. After the meeting, Koulamallah acknowledged France's role as “an important partner” but suggested the need for France to adapt to Chad's newfound sense of independence.
This pivot reflects Chad's changing political and strategic alignment as the nation has begun exploring relationships with other global powers, including Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia. Reports also indicate the U.S. plans to send additional troops to help Chad secure its borders amid rising threats from militant groups such as Boko Haram.
The decision does not signify the end of all relations with France. Chadian officials have expressed intentions to maintain cooperative ties with Paris across other sectors outside the defense framework. Nevertheless, the military relationship, which has been central to Chad's security architecture, appears to be waning.
Chad’s shift is emblematic of broader regional dynamics, as many Sahelian countries begin to reassess their relationships with traditional Western allies, grappling with security threats and questions of national sovereignty. Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye echoed these sentiments by recently commenting on the incompatibility of French military bases with Senegal's own sovereignty.
France's influence, particularly its military presence, is certainly diminishing across West Africa. After recent forced withdrawals from Mali and Burkina Faso due to military coups, Chad's decision serves as another blow to France's historical foothold and prestige within the region. Following these moves, many local entities across Chad have welcomed the decision, viewing it as overdue and necessary.
The geopolitical environment is shifting substantially. The growing presence of Russian military groups, particularly the Wagner Group, across several neighboring countries, adds additional complexity to Chad’s strategic calculations. Although Chad has stepped back from its reliance on France, any tangible agreements or partnerships with Russia remain non-existent at this point.
Security remains precarious for Chad, surrounded by conflict dynamics from Libya to Sudan, and the challenges posed by extremist organizations. Although this new direction might imply greater sovereignty for the Chadian government, the path forward will undoubtedly require carefully navigated alliances both regionally and internationally.
Chad’s break from France is more than just about military agreements; it indicates broader regional shifts where national sovereignty is increasingly prioritized over past colonial ties. The maneuvers will significantly alter the security architecture not only for Chad but across the Sahel, impacting Western influence as nations align with new partners.
During these times, it is increasingly important for Chad to manage its relationships and navigate these new waters with careful diplomacy, ensuring national security remains the focal point of government strategy.
