Chad announced on Thursday its decision to terminate its military cooperation agreement with France, just hours after a visit by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Chad’s Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah declared, “The government of the Republic of Chad informs national and international opinion of its decision to end the accord in the field of defence signed with the French Republic.”
Despite hosting around 1,000 French troops, Koulamallah clarified to AFP, “This is not a break with France like Niger or elsewhere,” emphasizing Chad’s status as a sovereign state that values its independence.
France’s military presence in Chad has been crucial, serving as Paris’s last significant foothold in the Sahel following troop withdrawals from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. However, Koulamallah stated the decision marked a “historic turning point,” made after “in-depth analysis.”
At a press briefing following a meeting between Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Déby and Barrot, Koulamallah acknowledged France as “an essential partner” but stressed the need for France to recognize Chad’s maturity and sovereignty.
Chad, a key player in regional security, faces threats from Boko Haram and other militant groups. It is bordered by nations like Sudan, Libya, and Niger, where the presence of Russian Wagner paramilitary forces has been growing. President Déby has also sought stronger economic ties with Moscow, though such efforts have yet to yield significant outcomes.
The timeline for French troop withdrawal was not specified, but Koulamallah stated that Chad would adhere to the terms of the agreement, including its notice period.
The announcement comes amid growing calls in other African nations for the removal of French military bases. Earlier this week, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye suggested France should close its bases, asserting, “Senegal is an independent and sovereign country, and sovereignty does not accept the presence of military bases.”