Chad ends defence cooperation agreement with France

The Chadian government has decided to end its defence cooperation pact with France, a move that could trigger the withdrawal of French troops from the country, as has happened in other former French colonies in Africa such as Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.

In a statement, Chad's foreign ministry has sought to fully reassert its sovereignty after more than six decades of independence.

Chad, a key Western ally in the fight against jihadism in the region, said the decision to end the revised defence cooperation agreement in 2019 would allow it to redefine its strategic partnerships.

In the past, the African nation has cooperated closely with the military forces of Western countries, although in recent years it has moved closer to Russia. The same has been true of other Sahel states that have also broken off military cooperation with France following military coups.

The military juntas of these countries have turned to Russia and its mercenaries deployed throughout the Sahel region, increasingly distancing themselves from the West.

‘In accordance with the terms of the agreement, Chad will respect the termination modalities, including the necessary deadlines, and will work with the French authorities to ensure a harmonious transition,’ the statement said.

The Chadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also states that the decision to end the country's defence partnership with France should in no way undermine the friendly relations between the two countries. 


This announcement comes shortly after French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot visited Chad's border with Sudan. In this regard, Reuters reports, there was no indication that Paris had received advance notice of the decision, although an envoy of President Emmanuel Macron this week delivered a report with proposals on how France could reduce its military presence in Chad, Gabon and Ivory Coast, where it has deployed thousands of troops for decades.

Currently, France has around 1,000 troops and warplanes stationed in Chad. Earlier this year, Chad also ordered a small US special operations contingent to leave the country. Last September, the US said it was in the midst of negotiations to bring them back.

In addition to Chad, Senegal's president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, recently stated in an interview with French state television that it was inappropriate for French troops to maintain a presence in his country. He did not clarify whether French troops would be asked to withdraw, but said that Paris would be the first to know. Around 350 French troops are stationed in Senegal.