Chad Ends Defense Cooperation with France, 1,000 Troops to Withdraw

Nov 28, 2024, 11:55 PM

Chad has officially terminated its defense cooperation agreements with France, according to a statement by the country's Foreign Ministry. The move, described as a 'historic turning point,' signals Chad's intent to reclaim its sovereignty and reevaluate its international partnerships. The agreements, including a revised 2019 defense pact, had facilitated the presence of French troops and warplanes in the country. This decision, announced on November 28, comes shortly after a visit by French Minister of Digital Transition and Telecommunications Jean-Noël Barrot to N'Djamena. The termination is expected to lead to the withdrawal of approximately 1,000 French troops and military assets stationed in Chad. Chad, a key Western ally in combating jihadist threats in the Sahel region, cited the need to assert its national sovereignty as a primary reason for the decision.