Chad Terminates Military Cooperation Agreement with France

Chad has announced its decision to end a significant defense cooperation agreement with France, prompting questions regarding Paris’s diminishing influence in Africa’s conflict-ridden Sahel region. Chadian Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah stated that the time had come for his country to “assert its full sovereignty”. This announcement occurred merely hours after Mr. Koulamallah’s French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, held a meeting with Chad’s President Mahamat Deby. Chad is recognized as a crucial partner for Western nations in their efforts to combat Islamist militants within the West African Sahel region. However, prior to the presidential election in May, Chadian authorities had already ordered the withdrawal of US troops from the country, signaling a move away from its traditional Western allies. France currently maintains approximately 1,000 troops in the Central African country, providing intelligence and logistical assistance to the Chadian military from their bases, including one located in the capital, N’Djamena. France, Chad’s former colonial ruler, had signed a revised version of the military and security agreement in 2019. Chad is the latest nation in Central and West Africa to sever its security agreements with Paris. Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have all concluded deals with France and other Western nations in recent years, opting instead for Russian support. Nevertheless, Koulamallah informed the AFP news agency that Chad’s decision did not signify a “break with France, like Niger or elsewhere”. In additional statements made on Thursday, Koulamallah described France as an “essential partner” but emphasized that Chad must “redefine its strategic partnerships according to national priorities”. The authorities maintained that this action would not impact Chad’s relations with France in other areas.