Faith Nyasuguta
France has begun withdrawing its military forces from Chad, marking another step in the decline of its influence in Africa. The decision follows Chad’s termination of a decades-long defense cooperation agreement with Paris, signaling a shift in the country’s strategic alliances.
The withdrawal commenced on Tuesday when two Mirage 2000-D fighter jets stationed in Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, were flown back to France. French military spokesperson Col. Guillaume Vernet confirmed the jets’ departure, stating, “It marks the beginning of the return of French equipment stationed in N’Djamena.” The jets landed at an air force base in Nancy, eastern France, signaling the start of a phased disengagement of French forces in Chad.
This development comes just weeks after Chad announced the termination of its military partnership with France, a move the Chadian government described as a turning point for its sovereignty. The decision is part of Chad’s effort to redefine its strategic partnerships in alignment with national priorities.
Despite this shift, Chad has emphasized its desire to maintain constructive relations with France in areas of mutual interest, with Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah assuring that historical ties between the two nations remain intact.
At the time of the announcement, approximately 1,000 French troops were stationed in Chad. French ground forces are expected to gradually withdraw in the coming weeks as both nations finalize the timeline for disengagement. The end of France’s military presence in Chad signifies a major transition in France’s role in the Sahel region, where its troops have played a key role in counterterrorism efforts for decades.
A Shifting Landscape in the Sahel
Chad has long been considered a reliable ally for the West in the Sahel, a region increasingly hostile to France. Since 2020, a wave of military coups in neighboring countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger has shifted regional alliances. Anti-French sentiment has surged, fueled by frustrations over perceived interference and inadequate responses to security challenges.
In recent years, France has been ousted from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, countries that have aligned themselves more closely with Russia. Russian mercenaries, notably the Wagner Group, have expanded their presence in the Sahel, filling the vacuum left by France. Similarly, Chad’s leader, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, has sought to strengthen ties with the United Arab Emirates and Russia since assuming office in 2021 after the death of his father.
The Chadian government’s decision to end military cooperation with France coincides with a broader regional pivot away from traditional alliances. Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has also called for the departure of French troops, stating that their presence was “not compatible” with Senegal’s sovereignty.
The End of an Era
The withdrawal from Chad marks the conclusion of France’s decades-long military operations in the Sahel. For years, French troops were at the forefront of counterterrorism missions in the region, targeting Islamist militants threatening regional stability. However, growing resentment toward France’s military presence, coupled with its diminished influence, has led to the gradual dismantling of these operations.
Col. Vernet noted that the timeline for France’s complete withdrawal from Chad would be finalized in collaboration with Chadian authorities. As French forces depart, Chad is positioning itself to forge new partnerships that align with its evolving national interests.
France’s exit from Chad indicates the geopolitical realignments reshaping Africa, where former colonial powers are increasingly replaced by emerging global players such as Russia and the UAE. As the Sahel faces ongoing security challenges, the region’s future alliances remain uncertain, reflecting the broader transformation of Africa’s political and military climate.
RELATED:
