Chad Demands French Army’s Exit by January 31, 2025
In a major diplomatic shift, Chad has demanded that all French military personnel leave the country by January 31, 2025. This directive follows the termination of military and defense cooperation agreements between the two nations earlier in December. The decision underscores Chad’s growing dissatisfaction with France’s military presence and its desire to assert more control over its own security affairs. The French military, however, has expressed concerns about the feasibility of meeting the tight timeline, which poses significant logistical challenges.
Challenges of Rapid Troop Withdrawal
French defense officials acknowledged the difficulty of evacuating 1,000 soldiers in seven weeks, calling the timeline “impossible.” Chad rejected France’s proposal to extend the withdrawal deadline to March 2025, insisting on full pullout by January. This withdrawal reflects Chad’s efforts to maintain control over its affairs and reduce foreign military influence.
Beginning of French Military Exit
The process of withdrawal has already begun, as confirmed by the departure of two Mirage 2000-D fighter jets from N’Djamena, the capital, on December 10. This marks the beginning of the planned evacuation, with more troop and equipment relocations scheduled in the coming weeks. The military bases in Faya-Largeau and Abéché are expected to be fully vacated by early January. Despite the logistical challenges, the Chad government remains determined to have no French military presence on its soil by the start of February.
Chad’s Desire for Greater Independence
Chad has severed military ties with France to assert greater independence and build stronger relationships with aligned nations. Officials argue that ending foreign military presence enhances Chad’s sovereignty and national security by reducing external influence.
French Troops and Regional Tensions
Chad’s expulsion of French forces reflects a regional shift against French military involvement, with neighboring countries expressing similar concerns. Relations between France and former colonies, like Mali and Burkina Faso, have deteriorated due to military interventions. Chad’s decision aligns with growing regional calls for greater autonomy and reduced French military influence in the area.
Future of Chad-France Relations
The withdrawal of French troops will significantly impact Chad’s military and diplomatic relations with France. While both nations have expressed a desire to maintain cooperation in areas such as trade and development, the military pullout is likely to change the dynamics of future engagements. As Chad seeks to strengthen its partnerships with other nations, it remains to be seen whether this will lead to a broader shift in the region’s foreign policy towards France.
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