The US military has withdrawn troops from a French military base in Chad at the request of the country, with more than half of the troops stationed in N’Djamena relocating to Germany. The troops in Chad were part of the Special Operations Task Force, an important hub for US Special Operations Forces in the region. The move was part of an ongoing review of security cooperation and was completed in time for the May 6 Presidential election. Some US forces will remain in Chad working out of the US embassy, in addition to Marines providing embassy security.
This withdrawal comes shortly after the neighboring country of Niger ended its agreement with the US military, requiring American personnel to leave the country. Negotiations are underway for the safe and orderly withdrawal of over 1,000 US troops still in Niger. The issue with Chad was primarily a paperwork matter related to the Status of Forces Agreement, which determines the conditions under which US military personnel can operate in the country. The dispute is expected to be resolved following Chad’s elections this month.
These developments are occurring at a crucial time for US interests in Africa, with concern about increasing Russian influence on the continent. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, head of US Africa Command, has warned that Central African countries are facing a dilemma in needing assistance from countries like Russia and China while also protecting their national sovereignty. The stakes are high in the region, according to Langley, who remains committed to building partnerships with Chad and other African nations.
Gen. Langley visited Chad earlier this year and met with military leaders, expressing AFRICOM’s dedication to building enduring partnerships with the country and others in Africa. The US withdrawal from Chad is part of a broader strategic review of security cooperation in the region, with concerns about Russian expansion and the need to balance developmental assistance with sovereignty. The withdrawal of troops from Chad was a temporary measure in response to the country’s demand for US forces to leave the French military base in N’Djamena, but some personnel will remain at the US embassy for security purposes.
