By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
In a bold move, Chad has announced the termination of its military cooperation agreement with France, signaling a significant shift in the country’s foreign policy. The decision was made public shortly after French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot visited Chad, marking a clear departure from previous military alliances.
Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah stressed that this action is not a severing of ties with France but rather a statement of Chad’s growing autonomy. “Chad has matured, and we are a sovereign state that is very jealous of our sovereignty,” Koulamallah remarked, emphasizing the country’s desire to assert control over its defense and diplomatic affairs.
This move comes amid Chad’s efforts to forge closer ties with Russia, particularly under the leadership of President Mahamat Idriss Deby, who has been in power since 2021. The decision to end military cooperation with France marks a “historic turning point” for Chad, which has long been a key player in France’s military presence in Africa. France currently maintains around 1,000 troops stationed in Chad, and it remains uncertain how the withdrawal of these forces will be managed.
For Chad, this development signals a deliberate reorientation of foreign policy. The broader context of growing tensions between France and several African nations, including Senegal, where there have been increasing calls for the closure of French military bases, further underscores this shift. Chad’s move reflects not only a desire for more control over its own destiny but also a wider trend of African nations seeking to redefine their relationships with former colonial powers.
