The French military has commenced its withdrawal from Chad, marking a significant shift in the decades-long military cooperation between the two nations. This departure, initiated last month at Chad’s behest, signifies the end of France’s military presence in the Sahel region following similar withdrawals from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The handover of the Faya-Largeau military base in northern Chad represents the first stage of this withdrawal, with further departures planned from bases in Abeche and the capital, N’Djamena. This strategic move by Chad precedes parliamentary and local elections scheduled for Sunday, suggesting a potential recalibration of the nation’s security apparatus and international alliances.
The withdrawal process involves the phased relocation of French personnel and equipment. An Antonov 124 cargo plane has already transported 70 tonnes of materiel, and the remaining military vehicles are slated for departure by January via the Cameroonian port of Douala. The French military presence in Chad, comprising approximately 1,000 personnel, has been a cornerstone of France’s influence in the region, providing training and crucial air support to the Chadian military. This departure leaves a void in the regional security landscape, particularly concerning counterterrorism efforts, and raises questions about the future of Chad’s security partnerships.
The dissolution of this long-standing military partnership reflects a broader trend of African nations reassessing their relationships with former colonial powers. Chad’s decision follows similar moves by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, all of which have experienced military coups in recent years and subsequently strengthened ties with Russia. This shift in alliances highlights the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Sahel region, with Russia’s growing influence, particularly through the Wagner Group’s successor, the Africa Corps, posing a challenge to traditional Western partnerships.
Chad, a strategically important nation bordering several volatile countries, including the Central African Republic, Sudan, Libya, and Niger, finds itself at a critical juncture. The presence of Russian paramilitary forces in these neighboring states adds another layer of complexity to Chad’s security calculus. While General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, Chad’s leader, has explored closer ties with Moscow, including discussions on economic cooperation, these talks have yet to yield tangible results. The future trajectory of Chad’s foreign policy and security strategy remains uncertain, with potential implications for regional stability.
France’s military involvement in Chad dates back to the country’s independence in 1960, marked by near-continuous deployment of soldiers and fighter aircraft. This long-standing presence has been instrumental in supporting the Chadian military, providing training and vital air support that proved decisive in thwarting rebel attempts to seize power. French intervention played a crucial role in suppressing rebellions in 2008 and 2019, underscoring the deep-rooted security ties between the two nations. The current withdrawal marks a significant turning point in this relationship, raising questions about Chad’s future security posture and its ability to address internal and external threats.
The departure of French forces coincides with Chad’s preparations for parliamentary and local elections, a crucial step in the country’s political transition following the death of longtime ruler Idriss Deby Itno in 2021. The election of his son, General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, in May 2022, marked the culmination of a three-year transition period. The timing of the French withdrawal adds another dimension to the upcoming elections, potentially influencing the political landscape and raising questions about the future direction of Chad’s security policy and international alliances. The withdrawal underscores the complex interplay of domestic politics, regional security dynamics, and international relations in shaping the future of Chad.
