Photo Credit: The Independent

JUST IN: Chad Terminates Military Cooperation with France

Chad announced that it would terminate its defense cooperation agreement with France, signaling the departure of French troops from the Central African nation.

Foreign Minister Abdulrahman Koulamallah described France as “an essential partner” but emphasized that Chad has “grown up, matured, and is a sovereign state deeply protective of its sovereignty.” The decision was revealed on Thursday, shortly after French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot’s visit to the country.

While Chad has historically collaborated with Western military forces, it has recently strengthened its ties with Russia.

Photo Credit: Aljazeera

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that ending the agreement, last revised in 2019, will allow Chad to redefine its strategic alliances. Currently, around 1,000 French soldiers and several warplanes are based in Chad, which remains the last Sahel country hosting French forces.

Over the past two years, France has withdrawn its troops from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso following military coups.

Koulamallah did not specify a timeline for the French troops’ withdrawal.

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He made the remarks during a press briefing after a meeting between Barrot and President Mahamat Idriss Deby, who has been fostering closer relations with Russia.

“The government of the Republic of Chad informs national and international opinion of its decision to end the accord in the field of defence signed with the French republic,” Koulamallah said in a statement on Facebook.

Deby officially assumed the presidency in May following a three-year period as interim leader under military rule. His father, Idriss Deby, had led Chad since seizing power in a coup in the early 1990s.

Chad, a landlocked nation, shares borders with the Central African Republic, Sudan, Libya, and Niger, all of which host paramilitary forces linked to Russia’s Wagner Group.

In a statement released Thursday, the Foreign Ministry emphasized Chad’s commitment to fully asserting its sovereignty, marking 66 years since gaining independence, and underscored its role as a crucial Western ally in combating armed groups in the region.

“In accordance with the terms of the accord, Chad will respect the modalities of the termination including the necessary deadlines, and will collaborate with French authorities to ensure a harmonious transition,” it said.

Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, stated during an interview with French state television on Thursday that it is no longer appropriate for French troops to remain stationed in his country. However, he did not specify whether or when they might be asked to leave. Currently, around 350 French soldiers are based in Senegal.

(Aljazeera)

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