Chad ends military pact with France; Senegal demands withdrawal of French troops

Chad has terminated its defense agreement with France, marking a significant shift in relations with its former colonial ruler, according to a report in Politico. Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah announced the decision after meeting French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot in N'Djamena, stating it was time for Chad to assert full sovereignty and redefine strategic partnerships.

The move requires the withdrawal of about 1,000 French troops stationed in Chad and follows similar ousters of French forces from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger after a series of military coups swept the region. Shortly before the Chadian announcement, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye called for the closure of French military bases, citing national sovereignty.

These developments reflect growing discontent with France’s military presence in Africa, set against Russia’s expanding influence on the continent. However, both Chad and Senegal stressed their decisions do not sever ties with France. Paris has yet to comment on these announcements.