France Initiates Military Withdrawal from Chad Following Accord Termination
France has begun withdrawing military forces from Chad, starting with fighter jets from N’Djamena, following the termination of a defense cooperation agreement. This decision represents a significant turning point in Chad’s defense policy, although the country aims to maintain constructive relations with France in other areas. Similar requests for military withdrawals are recorded from Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Senegal.
On December 10, the French Ministry of Armed Forces declared the commencement of the withdrawal of military forces from Chad, initiating this process with the departure of fighter jets from N’Djamena, the capital. This decision followed the termination of a security and defense cooperation agreement between Chad and France. Coordination with Chadian authorities regarding other French military assets’ disengagement is presently ongoing. Chad’s Foreign Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, articulated on November 28 that this decision was reached after thorough analysis, highlighting it as a significant historical turning point for the nation’s defense policy. Even with this shift, Chad aims to sustain constructive relations with France in fields of mutual interest, as reported by the Xinhua news agency. Prior to this withdrawal, France had stationed approximately 1,000 military personnel in Chad. Concurrently, nations such as Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Senegal are also advocating for the departure of French military forces. Notably, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye recently stated that the presence of French military bases is “not compatible” with Senegal’s sovereign principles, urging for the closure of these establishments.
The withdrawal of French military forces from Chad is a significant development in the context of Franco-African military relations. France has historically maintained a military presence in several African nations, particularly those impacted by security challenges. The decision to withdraw follows Chad’s formal termination of the defense cooperation accord, reflecting a broader trend among African nations, such as Mali, Niger, and Senegal, that are reassessing the role of foreign military presence in their sovereignty and security frameworks. The implications of this withdrawal may resonate throughout the region, potentially altering strategic military alignments and cooperation dynamics.
In conclusion, France’s initiation of military withdrawal from Chad marks a pivotal shift in the bilateral defense relationship, stemming from Chad’s reevaluation of foreign military accords. While the decision to cease defense collaboration suggests a move towards greater autonomy for Chad, the country remains committed to fostering positive relations with France in other sectors. This trend of reevaluating military presence may extend beyond Chad, influencing broader regional dynamics as additional nations reconsider their agreements with foreign military forces.
Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz
