By : Lloyd Mahachi 

France’s decision to withdraw its troops from Chad marks a significant turning point in the country’s history. The move, which began last week, is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, with French authorities stating that military vehicles will leave by January and be repatriated via the Cameroonian port of Douala.

The French military had approximately 1,000 personnel stationed in Chad, along with warplanes, making it the last Sahel country to host French troops. The withdrawal is a result of Chad’s decision to end military cooperation with France last month. This move is seen as a significant shift in Chad’s foreign policy, as it seeks to assert its independence and strengthen ties with other nations.

Chad’s leader, General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, has been seeking to diversify the country’s partnerships and reduce its reliance on France. In recent months, he has sought closer ties with Moscow, although talks to strengthen economic cooperation have yet to bear concrete results. The country’s decision to end military cooperation with France is also seen as a response to the changing security landscape in the region.

The Sahel region has been plagued by insecurity and instability in recent years, with several countries facing threats from armed groups and terrorist organizations. France has been involved in the region for several decades, providing military support and training to local forces. However, its involvement has been controversial, with some critics accusing France of pursuing its own interests at the expense of local populations.

The withdrawal of French troops from Chad marks the end of an era in Franco-Chadian relations. The two countries have a long and complex history, with France having colonized Chad in the early 20th century. Since Chad’s independence in 1960, France has maintained a significant military presence in the country, providing training and air support to the Chadian military.

The French military has played a crucial role in supporting the Chadian government, particularly in its fight against rebel groups. In 2008 and 2019, French warplanes provided air support to Chadian forces, helping to repel rebel offensives. However, the relationship between France and Chad has been complex, with many Chadians viewing the French presence as a legacy of colonialism.

As France reduces its military presence in the region, other countries are seeking to expand their influence and secure new partnerships. Russia, in particular, has been actively seeking to strengthen its ties with African countries, including Chad. The implications of this shift are far-reaching, with potential consequences for regional security, economic cooperation, and global politics.

The withdrawal of French troops from Chad also raises questions about the future of French military involvement in Africa. France has a long history of military intervention in the continent, with its involvement in several countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. However, its involvement has been controversial, with some critics accusing France of pursuing its own interests at the expense of local populations.

As Chad begins a new chapter in its history, it is likely to face several challenges, including insecurity, economic instability, and political uncertainty. The country’s decision to end military cooperation with France is a significant step towards asserting its independence and sovereignty. However, it remains to be seen how Chad will navigate the complex security landscape in the region and balance its relationships with other countries.

Editor : Josephine Mahachi