THE WEST AFRICA

FRANCE HANDS OVER LAST MILITARY BASE IN CHAD, ENDING DECADES-LONG PRESENCE

FRANCE HANDS OVER LAST MILITARY BASE IN CHAD, ENDING DECADES-LONG PRESENCE
Spread the love

Faith Nyasuguta 

France has officially handed over its last military base in Chad, the Kossei base in N’Djamena, marking the end of its military presence in the country. The withdrawal comes two months after Chad unilaterally terminated its defence pact with Paris.

Although the decision to end the agreement was initiated by Chad, the head of the French Armed Forces’ Africa Command, Pascal Ianni, emphasized that the withdrawal was also part of France’s strategy to reduce permanent military bases in West and Central Africa.

“The transfer of the (Adji) Kossei base today marks a new stage. It is part of the French decision to end permanent (military) bases in Central and West Africa,” Ianni stated. “This structural change is necessary to adapt to the evolution of the world and Africa. We are reaffirming our partnerships in a dynamic Africa whose youth carries a lot of hope. We must act differently.”

Shift in Security Alliances

/RFI/

France’s military withdrawal from Chad follows a wave of similar moves across the Sahel. French troops have been expelled from Mali, Niger,  Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Ivory Coast  after those countries cut military ties with Paris, with some opting instead to strengthen security partnerships with Russia and other non-Western allies.

For decades, France maintained a strong military presence in Chad, with around 1,000 troops stationed in the country to support counterterrorism operations. The Kossei base had served as a crucial hub for French military operations in the region, particularly in combating jihadist insurgencies.

The Chadian army’s chief of staff, Abakar Abdelkerim Daoud, celebrated the handover, asserting Chad’s ability to manage its own security without French assistance. “I announce to you today that the work of the French army is coming to an end, and the Chadian army is capable of taking over the role that the French army played in Chad,” he said.

/France 24/

As France reduces its military presence in Africa, the future of regional security cooperation remains uncertain. With Sahel nations moving away from Western powers, new alliances are emerging, reshaping Africa’s security dynamics.

RELATED:

About Author

Faith Nyasuguta

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *