France has officially concluded its military presence in Chad, ending 65 years of operations after the last base, Sergent Adji Kossei, was handed over to local authorities on January 30, 2025. This historic withdrawal signifies the culmination of nearly one and a half centuries of French military engagement, which began with colonial interventions and continued through various geopolitical crises.
The ceremony for the transfer took place behind closed doors, as noted by both countries' military general staffs. Colonel Guillaume Vernet, spokesperson for the French military, confirmed, "All combat personnel and equipment have been repatriated to France, with only containers remaining for transport by land and sea." This base handover was part of Chad’s broader initiative to terminate its military collaborations with France, which had been deemed obsolete by its leadership.
The move follows the Chadian government’s announcement late last year to end its bilateral military cooperation agreement with Paris, reflecting shifting political tides and strategic priorities within the Sahel region. Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno emphasized the need for the military partnership to evolve, stating it had become “completely useless” amid current political and geostrategic realities.
Previously, France maintained around 1,000 troops within Chad, marking it as one of the last Sahelian nations under French military influence. Until recently, French forces were actively involved across the Sahel, particularly through Operation Barkhane, which had over 5,000 troops deployed at its height. This operation focused on combating jihadist movements alongside regional forces.
Despite the withdrawal from Chad, French officials have stressed this does not equate to the end of cooperative military relations. A spokesperson from France’s Foreign Ministry articulated, "It is absolutely not the end of cooperation with Chad in military terms," reaffirming commitments to continue collaboration across multiple fields such as economic and cultural exchanges.
The withdrawal plan was intensified by similar outcomes already observed in neighboring countries. French forces have been ousted from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso as these countries reoriented toward new alliances, especially with Russia, marked by increased military activities through private contractors and formal state relations.
President Déby’s announcement of military adjustment drew significant public support within Chad, where demonstrations erupted chanting slogans like “Long live Chad, France out!” Such sentiments echoed broader discontent associated with perceived neocolonial practices and military dependence on France.
Chad, rich with historical ties to both France and regional conflicts, has been facing growing challenges, including assaults from jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and the uprooting of thousands of refugees fleeing from the war-torn neighboring Sudan. Observers have noted the growing tension around issues of sovereignty, especially after remarks made by French President Emmanuel Macron, which were perceived as dismissive of African nations' geopolitical autonomy.
While the French military has transitioned out of Chad, it continues to reevaluate its global military positioning, with Senegal negotiating troop withdrawals by 2025. France aims to consolidate its military footprint through bases maintained elsewhere, particularly focusing on its larger base operations like Djibouti, which remains unaffected by the current military restructuring.
The drive toward reconfiguration highlights France’s changing dynamic as security provision within Africa becomes less about colonial legacy and more about national masteries among local governments. The end of this military relationship, though comprehensive, signals a yearning from Chad for strategic autonomy moving forward.
Chad’s political transition post-2021 coup adds another layer to the growing discourse around military efficacy and external influences. Deby’s rules have been categorized as both necessary and controversial, raising debates surrounding electoral legitimacy and the broader regional security narrative. The pending unresolved political atmosphere, rife with economic reforms and military shifts, continues to evolve against the backdrop of historical ties and current realities.
With the withdrawal complete, the Chadian government aims to redefine defense parameters and international relationships. This pivotal change also opens up the possibility of fostering collaborations outside of traditional Western alliances, as Chad encounters new regional dynamics and existential threats.