Chad’s President Deby Defends Ending Military Ties With France
Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Deby has defended the decision to end military cooperation with France, citing the outdated nature of their defense pact and its inability to address Chad’s current security challenges, including terrorism and armed conflicts.
Deby emphasized that this move reflects Chad’s desire to assert its sovereignty and build reciprocal relations with nations that respect its independence.
The decision has sparked significant anti-French sentiment and is seen as part of a broader trend in the Sahel region, where countries are reevaluating ties with former colonial powers.
The Chadian President announced that his decision to end cooperation agreements with the French military is part of a commitment he made during his inauguration in May 2024.
In a televised address, Deby stated that the defense pact no longer meets his country’s security needs.
The central African nation had earlier announced that it was ending military ties with France after French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot visited Chad and was reportedly told by Chadian officials that the country’s military is “strong enough to protect civilians and their property”.
Analysts say the decision is “another nail in the coffin” of France’s historic and colonial role in west and central Africa after it was forced to pull its troops out of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso following military coups.
