CHAD has announced the termination of a crucial defence cooperation agreement with France, raising questions about the future of France’s influence in the Sahel. Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah explained that it was time for Chad to ‘assert its full sovereignty’, further underscoring the country’s shift away from its former colonial ruler.
The announcement came just hours after a meeting between Koulamallah and French Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who had visited Chad to discuss bilateral relations. Despite the tense backdrop, the move does not signify a complete rupture in relations, Koulamallah stressed, distinguishing Chad’s actions from the more radical breakages seen in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which have all severed security ties with France and turned towards Russia for military support in recent years.
Chad, a key partner in the West’s fight against Islamist militants in the Sahel, had hosted about 1,000 French troops, who were stationed in the country to provide logistical support and intelligence for counterterrorism efforts in the region. France’s military presence had been a cornerstone of security cooperation between the two nations since 2019 when the last iteration of their military agreement was signed.
However, Chad has increasingly distanced itself from its traditional Western allies. This follows the decision to expel US troops prior to the May presidential election, signalling that Chad’s government is reassessing its foreign military ties.
Koulamallah noted that while France remained an ‘essential partner’ in various areas, it was time to redefine Chad’s strategic partnerships based on national interests. The Chadian authorities were careful to stress that this shift in military cooperation would not affect the broader relationship between the two countries.
This decision is part of a wider trend across the Sahel, where disillusionment with France’s military interventions is growing. The French government has long had a prominent presence in the region, but the increasing backlash and rise of anti-Western sentiment have prompted several countries to pivot towards new alliances.
Chad’s recalibration of its military strategy raises concerns over the future of Western-led security initiatives in the Sahel, an area plagued by jihadist insurgencies and political instability. As countries in the region explore new sources of military and economic support, the influence of former colonial powers like France appears to be waning. For now, the shift in Chad’s stance signals a pivotal moment in the shifting geopolitics of West and Central Africa.
Chad’s move, while not as drastic as those of other Sahel countries, reflects the evolving dynamics in the region. It remains to be seen how France will respond to this change and whether it can maintain its strategic foothold in Chad as the country pursues alternative alliances to safeguard its security.
