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Chad Ends Defense Pact with France, Citing National Sovereignty; 1,000 Troops to Withdraw

Nov 29, 2024, 03:20 AM

Chad has announced its decision to end its defense cooperation agreements with France, requiring approximately 1,000 French troops and warplanes to withdraw from the country. The announcement, described by Chadian officials as a 'historic turning point' that confirms national sovereignty, was made by the Chadian Minister of Foreign Affairs on November 28. The move comes shortly after a visit by French minister Jean-Noël Barrot to N'Djamena. Chad, a key Western ally in the fight against jihadists in the Sahel region, seeks to fully reclaim its sovereignty 66 years after independence. This decision signals a significant shift in the region, as France loses its last military presence in the Sahel after withdrawing from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.