Chad, the last Sahel country with French troops, has been led by Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno since 2021, after his father's death. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
In a significant diplomatic shift that highlights the growing tension between France and several African nations, Chad has announced its decision to end military cooperation with the former colonial power.
This move, which could signal the end of France’s military presence in the Sahel, marks a further erosion of French influence in a region already facing challenges to its long-standing alliances. The announcement, made on November 28, 2024, by Chadian Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah, came amid rising anti-French sentiment across many parts of Africa.
In a statement shared via Facebook, Koulamallah informed both national and international audiences that the government of Chad had decided to terminate the defense agreement it had signed with France.
This agreement, which had allowed French troops to operate in Chad, was central to France’s military efforts in combating jihadist groups in the Sahel. The decision, according to the Chadian government, is part of an effort to assert greater sovereignty over its military affairs and reduce dependency on foreign powers for its security needs.
Chad’s move comes in the context of a broader reassessment of post-colonial relations across Africa, where several countries have started questioning the continued presence of former colonial powers.
This trend has accelerated in recent years, fueled by growing public dissatisfaction with the perceived ineffectiveness of such partnerships, especially in dealing with the security challenges in the region.
Tanzanian analysts like Thabit Mlangi, speaking on the popular UTV show a Dar es Salaam-based historian Lugete Mussa Lugete, suggested that Chad’s decision was part of a wider push by African nations to reclaim their independence in matters of defense and sovereignty.
He remarked, “This is not just about ending a military agreement; it’s about setting the tone for how African nations will engage with external powers moving forward. It’s a statement of maturity and a demand for respect on their terms.”
The timing of Chad's decision is especially significant, as it comes on the heels of similar moves by other Sahelian countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These nations, all of which had hosted French troops to combat Islamist insurgencies, have been distancing themselves from France in recent months.
Mali and Burkina Faso had already expelled French forces earlier this year, while Niger’s relations with Paris soured following a military coup and its subsequent demand for the withdrawal of French troops.
Despite the dramatic shift in relations, Koulamallah emphasized that this was not an outright break with France, as seen in countries like Niger. While Chad still hosts around a thousand French troops, the government clarified that it would respect the agreed-upon notice period before the full withdrawal of French forces.
Koulamallah explained that while France remains an “essential partner” in some respects, the Chadian government feels that it is now a sovereign state capable of managing its own military affairs without outside intervention. He further stated, “We are not breaking our partnership with France. We are simply asserting our right to handle our defense issues as we see fit, without external interference.”
Chad’s decision to terminate its military cooperation agreement with France also speaks to a growing frustration within the Sahel region regarding the efficacy of French military interventions. Critics argue that despite years of military presence in the region, including Operation Barkhane and other counterterrorism efforts, instability and jihadist violence persist. This has led to widespread disillusionment among the public in countries that have borne the brunt of these insurgencies.
Chad, a key partner in France’s counterterrorism strategy in the Sahel, has long been seen as a critical ally in the fight against jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and al-Qaeda. French military support in Chad was integral to maintaining security in the region, particularly given the country’s proximity to conflict zones like northern Nigeria and Libya. However, as French influence wanes in the region, political analysts predict that this could lead to a power vacuum, with implications for both regional security and global geopolitical dynamics.
Several political analysts from Chad’s universities have weighed in on the significance of the country’s decision. Professor Nadir Idriss from the University of N'Djamena explained, “This is a pivotal moment for Chad and for Africa as a whole.
What we are witnessing is not just a rejection of foreign military intervention but a bold declaration of Africa’s desire to chart its future. This marks a departure from a long history of colonial relationships that have left many African nations dependent on former powers for their security.”
The end of French military cooperation in Chad raises important questions about the future of counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel. While the departure of French forces could make it more difficult to combat jihadist groups in the region, some analysts believe that Chad’s decision reflects a broader desire for African-led solutions to the continent’s security challenges.
“The era of foreign military interventions in Africa is coming to an end,” said political analyst Dr. Issa Fadil from the University of Chad. “Africa can address its security issues, and it’s time for African countries to take ownership of their defense strategies.”
For France, this latest blow to its military strategy in Africa comes amid a broader trend of diminishing influence across the continent. Over the past two years, France has been forced to withdraw its troops from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso following coups and the rise of anti-French sentiments in these countries.
In some cases, these countries have sought closer ties with China and Russia, further isolating France and its military presence in the region. Political analysts like Thabit Mlangi believe that this reflects a shift in African attitudes toward external powers, with China and Russia seen as more willing partners in Africa’s development and security needs. “China and Russia are positioning themselves as alternatives to the West, and they are capitalizing on the frustration with Western powers like France,” Mlangi noted.
In another blow to France’s position in Africa, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye echoed similar sentiments, stating that it was “inappropriate” for French troops to maintain a presence in his country. “Senegal is an independent country, and sovereignty does not accept the presence of foreign military bases,” Faye told French TV on November 28. His comments further underline the shifting political winds in Africa, where many nations are asserting their independence and distancing themselves from traditional Western alliances.
The growing dissatisfaction with French military presence in Africa is about more than just security—it’s a reflection of deeper issues around African sovereignty and development. Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh, a global expert on democracy, recently highlighted Africa's crucial role in global stability.
He noted that Africa controls 26% of the world’s arable land and 30% of its mineral wealth, stressing that the continent’s future will shape humanity’s destiny. However, he also warned that Africa faces major obstacles, including climate change, conflict, and foreign interference, all of which hinder its progress and potential.
Fomunyoh also highlighted the growing influence of authoritarian regimes, particularly Russia and China, which are spreading disinformation and supporting military coups across the continent.
He criticized these non-democratic states for undermining democratic institutions in Africa, which, he said, is fueling the rise of military-led governments in countries like Mali, Chad, and Niger.
Despite these challenges, Fomunyoh expressed cautious optimism, noting that the majority of Africans still prefer democracy over autocracy. “The African people are not the problem; they are the solution,” he asserted, pointing to Senegal as an example of progress in terms of local governance and gender inclusion.
Chad’s decision to end military cooperation with France marks a pivotal moment in the Sahel, reflecting a broader trend of African nations reclaiming their sovereignty and reassessing post-colonial ties. As countries like Chad, Mali, and Burkina Faso distance themselves from France, they seek new alliances that better align with their interests. For France, this loss of influence in the region challenges its ability to shape African security and politics. This shift signals the potential end of foreign military intervention in Africa, as nations assert greater control over their futures.