Faith Nyasuguta
France has officially handed over the Abeche military base to Chad, marking a key milestone in the ongoing withdrawal of French forces from the country. The handover ceremony, attended by Chadian Defense Minister Issaka Maloua Djamous and French officials, signified the end of decades of French military presence in northern Chad.
Colonel Boris Pomirol, Commander of French Forces in the Sahel, emphasized the strong ties forged between France and Chad. “These bonds reflect the enduring friendship between our nations. While our troops are leaving, this partnership will remain. Chad is now well-equipped to tackle security and humanitarian challenges in Ouaddai, and this transition highlights that progress,” Pomirol said.
Defense Minister Djamous reaffirmed Chad’s commitment to the withdrawal timeline, with all French forces expected to leave by January 31, 2025. “This is a firm and non-negotiable deadline,” he stated.
Abeche has been a hotspot for opposition to the French military presence, with residents staging protests over the years. Demonstrations were often met with harsh crackdowns by the Chadian government. However, as French troops departed, celebratory crowds gathered along the roads, cheering and celebrating the transition.
The withdrawal follows Chad’s decision on November 28 to end defense and security cooperation agreements with France. Since then, French forces have steadily dismantled their operations, with fighter jets departing the Adji Kosseï base in December and the Faya base vacated shortly afterward.
In recent weeks, convoys of trucks carrying containers and heavy equipment have been spotted heading to N’Djamena, with some equipment destined for shipment to France via Cameroon.
Infrastructure Minister Aziz Mahamat Saleh described the handover of Abeche as a moment of “liberation” for the city and its people.
While France’s military withdrawal from Chad signals the end of a significant chapter in their bilateral relations, both nations have expressed a commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic ties. The handover of Abeche reflects Chad’s increasing emphasis on sovereignty and its readiness to independently manage security challenges in the region.
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