Written by: Nia Henry

Edited by: Conley Austin

I. Chad announces End to Defence Pact with France 

Chad announced that it was terminating its defence cooperation agreement with France, signalling a potential withdrawal of French troops from the Central African nation (Deutsche Welle, 2024). The decision was officially communicated by Chad’s Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah on the ministry’s Facebook page, emphasising the country’s desire to assert its sovereignty after 64 years of independence from French colonial rule (Deutsche Welle, 2024). While this marks a significant shift, Koulamallah clarified that it did not constitute a complete break with France, as seen in other regional cases (Deutsche Welle, 2024). 

II. Redefining Strategic Partnerships

The decision enables Chad to redefine its strategic partnerships, especially as it aligns more closely with Russia, a growing influence in the region (Mahamat Ramadane, 2024). President Mahamat Idriss Déby, who assumed office earlier this year after a transitional military rule, has sought diversified alliances (Al Jazeera, 2024). Chad borders several countries where Russian paramilitary forces, such as the Wagner Group, are active, including Sudan, Libya and Niger (Al Jazeera, 2024). 

III. Challenges to France’s Regional Influence 

France has maintained approximately 1,000 troops and military assets in Chad, and the country has been a key base for operations against Islamist militants across the Sahel (Deutsche Welle, 2024). However, France has faced increasing challenges to its military presence in Africa. Over the past two years, it has been forced to withdraw troops from Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso following military coups in these countries (Deutsche Welle, 2024). In several instances, these nations have turned to Russia or China for support, further diminishing France’s influence in the region (Deutsche Welle, 2024). 

IV. A Coordinated Transition Process 

The announcement coincided with a visit to Chad by French foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, raising questions about whether France was forewarned (Mahamat Ramadane, 2024). Chad’s statement assured a ‘harmonious transition’ and collaboration with French authorities during the withdrawal process (Al Jazeera, 2024). 

V. Decline of France’s Post-Colonial Role 

This move highlights a broader trend of African nations reevaluating and, in some cases, rejecting their post-colonial ties with France (Deutsche Welle, 2024). Earlier this year, Chad ordered the departure of a small contingent of U.S. special operations forces, only to reopen negotiations for their return in September (Mahamat Ramadane, 2024). 

Senegal has also signalled discontent with French military presence, with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye calling it inappropriate during an interview (Deutsche Welle, 2024). Although he refrained from specifying timelines for withdrawals, his comments highlight a growing regional sentiment against French intervention (Al Jazeera, 2024). 

Chad’s decision marks another blow to France’s traditional role in Africa, underscoring the continent’s shifting alliances and the decline of French influence in its former colonies. 

Bibliography

Al Jazeera. (2024, November 29). Chad ends military cooperation with France. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/29/chad-ends-military-cooperation-with-france

Deutsche Welle. (2024, November 29). Chad to end security cooperation with France. Dw.com; Deutsche Welle. https://www.dw.com/en/chad-to-end-security-cooperation-with-france/a-70914205

Jochecová, K. (2024, November 29). Chad breaks off military pact with France; Senegal wants French troops out. POLITICO. https://www.politico.eu/article/chad-military-pact-france-senegal-french-troops-departure-defense-cooperation-senegal/

Mahamat Ramadane. (2024, November 29). Chad ends defence cooperation agreement with France. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/chad-ends-defence-cooperation-agreement-with-france-2024-11-28/

Njie, P. (2024, November 29). Chad cuts military agreement with France. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7042v17kjqo