France Begins Military Withdrawal from Chad: A Shift in African Alliances
France has initiated the withdrawal of its military assets from Chad, marking a significant shift in its influence across its former colonies in Africa. The process began with the return of two Mirage fighter jets to a base in eastern France, as confirmed by army spokesperson Colonel Guillaume Vernet. This action follows Chad's recent announcement of an end to a long-standing military cooperation with Paris.
Chad's Foreign Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, emphasized the country’s intention to maintain constructive relations with France outside of military cooperation, declaring that both nations should benefit from their partnership in other areas. Prior to this development, approximately 1,000 French troops were stationed in Chad.
On the same day, Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye also called for the exit of French troops from his nation, stating that their presence was not in line with Senegal’s sovereignty. This reflects a broader regional trend, as countries in the Sahel increasingly assert their independence from France amidst rising anti-French sentiment.
Historically, Chad has been viewed as one of the West’s most reliable allies in the Sahel, particularly as military juntas that reject French intervention have taken power after a series of coups since 2020. This has been compounded by growing public sentiment in several countries against what is perceived as French interference in domestic affairs. In recent years, nations like Burkina Faso and Mali have expelled French diplomats or restricted the presence of French media, signaling a fracture in Franco-African relations.
In August 2021, following the coup that ousted Niger's elected President Mohamed Bazoum, French troops were similarly compelled to leave the region. In response to the evolving security situation, Chad has actively sought strategic partnerships with nations such as the United Arab Emirates and Russia, especially under the leadership of Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, who took office after his father’s death.
Colonel Vernet noted that the timeline for the complete drawdown of military operations will require several weeks to finalize between the two countries. The departure from Chad signifies an end to decades of French military presence in the Sahel and the cessation of direct French military action against Islamist extremist groups in the area. This withdrawal may pave the way for a new geopolitical landscape in Africa, as former allies reassess their partnerships and seek alternative alliances.
Related Sources: