The latest news from Chad marks a historic turning point in French-Chadian relations. Indeed, France has begun the repatriation of its two Mirage 2000-Ds, thus signaling the beginning of the withdrawal of its military forces from the former French colony in Central Africa. The departure of the fighter jets was welcomed by the Chadian military forces, heralding a transitional phase in defense cooperation between the two countries.
This decision follows the termination, last month, of the defense agreement between France and Chad by the Chadian authorities. Considered a historic turning point for this country independent since 1960, this rupture will allow Chad to redefine its strategic partnerships in accordance with its national priorities. It is therefore a crucial step that reflects the evolution of international relations in the region.
France, which until now maintained approximately 1,000 soldiers in Chad, has not yet specified the modalities for the withdrawal of its remaining troops. Negotiations with Chadian authorities are ongoing to determine the timing and logistics of the withdrawal. Despite the end of the defense agreement, Chad has stressed that this does not alter the historical ties between the two countries and that it wishes to maintain relations in other areas of common interest.
The French military presence in Chad was one of the last in the region, as France was gradually pushed out of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso due to the rise of Islamic extremist groups. These countries have moved closer to Russia, which deploys mercenaries throughout the Sahel, the vast expanse below the Sahara Desert.
The withdrawal of French troops has sparked mixed reactions among the Chadian population. While some have demonstrated to demand the departure of French troops, others have expressed their attachment to Franco-Chadian relations. This change therefore marks a new era for Chad and for the region as a whole, revealing the geopolitical developments underway in West Africa.
In conclusion, the withdrawal of the Mirage 2000-D and the announcement of the departure of French troops from Chad are major events that resonate beyond the borders of this country. They highlight the transformations underway on the African continent and the need for States to redefine their strategic partnerships. The future of Franco-Chadian relations and the impact of this withdrawal remain topics to be closely monitored in the coming months.