Chad recently ended its military cooperation with France, its former colonial power, leading to the withdrawal of French troops from the country. The first military base to be handed over was located in Faya-Largeau in the north of Chad, with plans to withdraw from bases in the eastern city of Abeche and the capital, N’Djamena. French troops, numbering around 1,000 personnel, began leaving Chad in vehicles for N’Djamena, in preparation for the upcoming parliamentary and local elections.
As part of the withdrawal process, an Antonov 124 took off with 70 tonnes of cargo on board. The remaining military vehicles are expected to leave Chad by January and be repatriated through the Cameroonian port of Douala. Chad had been a key partner in France’s military presence in Africa, and the withdrawal from Chad follows the departure of French troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Amid this shift, military authorities in those countries have shown a growing interest in collaboration with Russia, a trend also seen in Chad.
Chad borders several countries hosting Russian paramilitary forces, which have taken over the operations of the Wagner mercenary group on the continent. Chad’s leader, General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, has been working to strengthen ties with Moscow, though concrete results of these efforts are still pending. French military presence in Chad dates back to the country’s independence in 1960, with French soldiers stationed there continuously. The French military has played a crucial role in training the Chadian military and providing air support to counter rebel movements.
General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno succeeded his father, Idriss Deby Itno, after his death in 2021, ending a three-year political transition. The younger Deby had received support from the French army to suppress rebel threats in 2008 and 2019. The withdrawal of French troops from Chad marks a significant shift in the country’s military landscape, as it prepares for upcoming elections with reduced foreign military presence. Chad’s decision to end military cooperation with France and explore closer ties with other countries signals a changing dynamic in the region.
Overall, the withdrawal of French troops from Chad highlights the evolving military alliances and partnerships in the region. As Chad distances itself from its former colonial power, it is exploring new collaborations with other countries, including Russia. The departure of French troops, who have played a significant role in training and supporting the Chadian military, marks a turning point in Chad’s military history. The upcoming elections and ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with other countries will shape Chad’s future trajectory in terms of security and defense.
