Chad Ends 1966 Defense Pact with France; Senegal Orders Closure of French Bases

Nov 29, 2024, 07:57 AM

Chad has announced the termination of its defense cooperation agreement with France, a pact initially signed in 1966. The decision, described by Chad's Foreign Ministry as a "historic turning point," aims to assert the nation's "full sovereignty" and redefine strategic partnerships according to national priorities. The announcement on November 28, 2024, came just hours after the visit of French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot to N'Djamena. Approximately 1,000 French troops and warplanes currently stationed in Chad will be affected by this decision. Meanwhile, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye declared that France must close its military bases in Senegal, stating that the presence of French troops is incompatible with national sovereignty. France maintains about 350 military personnel in Senegal. President Faye made the remarks in interviews with AFP and France 2, emphasizing the need for a "renovated partnership" with France. These developments signify a significant shift in France's military presence in Africa, potentially ending its operations in the Sahel region. Chad, a key Western ally in the fight against jihadists, was France's last foothold in the Sahel after withdrawals from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The decisions underscore a growing trend of African nations reassessing their defense agreements and seeking greater autonomy.