Today, international news brings us to a significant event: the withdrawal of French military forces from Chad. France recently repatriated the two Mirage 2000-Ds that were stationed in the central African country, signaling the beginning of the withdrawal of its military presence. The move follows Chad’s termination of its defense cooperation agreement with France last month.
The two fighter jets took off from a French base in N’Djamena after Chadian military forces bade them farewell. They are en route to a French air base in Nancy, eastern France. French military spokesman Colonel Guillaume Vernet said negotiations were underway with Chadian authorities to determine the terms and timing of the withdrawal of the remaining members of the French force in Chad, totaling nearly 1,000 troops.
The end of the defense cooperation agreement with France marks a historic turning point for Chad, a country that gained independence in 1960. Chadian authorities have stressed that the move would allow the country to redefine its strategic partnerships in line with its national priorities.
The withdrawal of French troops from Chad comes as France has been gradually ousted from other countries in the region, such as Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, after years of fighting Islamic extremists alongside regional troops. These countries have drawn closer to Russia, which has deployed mercenaries in the vast Sahel region below the Sahara Desert.
While protests have taken place in N’Djamena demanding the withdrawal of French troops, the termination of the defense agreement does not affect the historical ties between the two countries. Chad wishes to maintain its relations with France in other areas of common interest.
This development raises questions about the redefinition of regional alliances and the new geostrategic situation in Central Africa. The departure of French troops from Chad will undoubtedly have an impact on the security and stability of the region, requiring a reassessment of international partnerships and the defense capabilities of local countries.
In sum, the withdrawal of French forces from Chad marks a new and potentially crucial chapter for the region, prompting a thorough reflection on the security and diplomatic issues at stake.