By Ollus Ndomu
French troops have officially begun their final withdrawal from Chad, with a complete pullout set for January 31. The Abéché military base in eastern Chad was formally handed over to Chadian authorities on Saturday in a ceremony attended by Defence Minister Issaka Malloua Djamouss. This marks the latest step in ending decades of French military presence in the country.
The withdrawal follows Chad’s decision in November to terminate military cooperation with France, its former colonial power. The process began in December, with the first base handover in Faya in the north and the departure of fighter jets and 120 personnel earlier this month.
During the ceremony in Abéché, Djamouss emphasized the January 31 deadline as “imperative, irreversible, and non-negotiable.” Around 100 French soldiers departed the base on Saturday, accompanied by equipment convoys. Chad has underscored its sovereignty in managing its security moving forward.
France’s military presence in Chad dates back to the country’s independence in 1960, providing key support during periods of instability. French forces were instrumental in halting rebel advances that threatened to topple the Chadian government.
The withdrawal from Chad marks the end of France’s military footprint in the Sahel region, following earlier departures from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. At its peak, France maintained 1,000 personnel in Chad, but its departure reflects shifting dynamics in Franco-African relations.
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