In a significant move, Chad's government has officially terminated its defense cooperation agreement with France, as announced by the central African nation's Foreign Ministry on Thursday. This decision mandates the withdrawal of approximately 1,000 French troops and warplanes currently stationed in Chad.
Chad, long regarded as a key Western ally in the fight against regional jihadist threats, emphasized its desire to fully assert its sovereignty after 66 years of independence. By ending the defense cooperation pact revised in 2019, Chad aims to redefine its strategic partnerships and explore new alliances.
The Foreign Ministry statement highlighted that while Chad has historically collaborated closely with Western militaries, recent years have seen a pivot towards stronger ties with Russia. \"In accordance with the terms of the accord, Chad will respect the modalities of the termination including the necessary deadlines, and will collaborate with French authorities to ensure a harmonious transition,\" the statement read.
Despite the termination of the defense agreement, Chad clarified that its broader relationship with France remains intact. The French Foreign Ministry has yet to comment on the development, and it remains unclear whether Paris was forewarned about Chad's decision. Notably, a French envoy recently presented President Emmanuel Macron with proposals to reduce France's military footprint in Chad, Gabon, and Ivory Coast, countries where France has maintained a military presence for decades.
The timing of this announcement coincided with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot's visit to Chad, where he was engaged in discussions at the border with Sudan. As Chad navigates this strategic shift, the international community will be watching closely to understand the broader implications for regional security and global alliances.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
