Chad has announced the termination of its defence cooperation agreement with France, a decision that underscores a growing shift in the Sahel region’s geopolitical alliances.
Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah declared the move as part of Chad’s effort to “assert its full sovereignty,” though he insisted this did not signify a complete break with France. The announcement followed French Minister Jean-Noël Barrot’s meeting with Chadian President Mahamat Déby.
France has approximately 1,000 troops stationed in Chad, providing intelligence and logistical support to the Chadian military. The 2019 defence pact, an update of earlier agreements, underpinned this cooperation.
However, Chad has joined Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso in revising or severing military agreements with France, signalling a broader regional pivot towards redefining partnerships, with many nations increasingly aligning with Russia.
Koulamallah described France as an “essential partner” and stressed that the decision would not impact bilateral relations beyond defence.
He then added that Chad must “redefine its strategic partnerships according to national priorities.”
This decision comes amidst a broader distancing by Chad from Western allies, including the withdrawal of US troops earlier this year, raising questions about the future of security cooperation in the volatile Sahel region.
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