By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Chad has accused French President Emmanuel Macron of disrespecting Africa after he remarked that African leaders had “forgotten to say thank you” for France’s role in combating insurgencies in the Sahel.
In a statement on state television, Chad’s Foreign Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, expressed concern over Macron’s comments, calling them a reflection of “contemptuous” attitudes towards Africa and its people.
He emphasised that France’s contributions to Chad have often been driven by its strategic interests, with little lasting benefit for the country’s development. Koulamallah also reminded France of Africa’s pivotal role in the liberation of France during the world wars, a contribution that he believes France has never truly acknowledged.
In November 2024, Chad ended its defense agreements with France, marking the end of the latter’s military presence in the Sahel. This came after tensions over French influence in the region, particularly after military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which forced France to withdraw its forces.
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