Mahamat Idriss Déby, Chad’s transitional president, recently made an official visit to Paris, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron. This meeting is of great importance for the two countries, because it takes place in a context of questioning the historical relationship which has linked them since the colonial era.
The article entitled “The future of French forces in Africa in the crosshairs” addresses the question of the French military presence in Africa, which is giving rise to more and more contestation in certain countries. Indeed, French soldiers were recently “driven out” of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, which pushes France to seek new partnerships to ensure its presence on the continent.
Mahamat Idriss Déby’s visit to Paris is therefore seen as an opportunity for France to find a new ally and a secure base for its troops. However, it is emphasized that Chadian public opinion is divided over the presence of French troops in the country, with many voices being raised to demand their departure.
It is therefore essential, according to the author, that French and Chadian leaders seize this opportunity to review their cooperation and establish a renewed partnership, taking into account the interests and aspirations of the two peoples.
But the return of Mahamat Idriss Déby to Chad will not be easy, because he will also have to face a morals affair involving two members of his government. Indeed, the Minister of Defense and the Secretary General of the Government resigned following the broadcast of sexual videos featuring them.
These scandals are considered unacceptable and underline the need for leaders to be above suspicion. They also add to the urgency of the situation, because the Chadian president must now manage this internal crisis while dealing with international cooperation issues.
In parallel with this news in Chad, the African press is reporting on the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Recent bombings, notably on a hospital in Gaza, have sparked strong emotion and indignation across the continent.
Demonstrations took place in front of French and American diplomatic representations, bringing together Africans in solidarity with the Palestinian people. This mobilization is particularly visible in Tunisia, where images of a gathering in Medenine, with health professionals wearing white coats, were broadcast.
The barbarity of the war and the suffering suffered by the Palestinians echo the history of slavery and colonization in Africa, which reinforces the solidarity of Africans towards the Palestinian population.
In conclusion, these recent events demonstrate the importance of international relations and the impact they can have on people. Whether within the framework of questioning Franco-Chadian cooperation or African solidarity towards Palestine, these subjects provoke debates and reflections on the complex issues of current world affairs.