Chad's government has announced the termination of a defense cooperation agreement with France, its former colonial ruler, in a move aimed at redefining the nation's sovereignty. This decision, as stated by the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, signifies a significant milestone in Chad's history since gaining independence over six decades ago.
The decision to end the agreement is intended to enable Chad to reassess its strategic partnerships in alignment with its national priorities. This move comes as Chad seeks to redefine its security alliances and explore new opportunities for collaboration with other nations.
France, the former colonial power, has maintained a military presence in Chad, with approximately 1,000 troops stationed in the country. The response from the French government to Chad's decision is currently awaited.
Chad's interim president, Mahamat Deby Itno, who assumed power following the death of his father in 2021, has been vocal about diversifying the country's security partnerships. The decision to end the defense cooperation agreement with France is seen as a step towards achieving this goal.
Analysts suggest that President Deby's decision reflects a growing mistrust of France and a desire to engage with other countries such as Russia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. The move also underscores a shift in Chad's foreign policy towards a more balanced approach to security cooperation.
While the statement did not specify a timeline for the withdrawal of French troops from Chad, it emphasized that the decision does not impact the historical ties between the two countries. Chad aims to maintain relations with France in other areas of mutual interest despite the shift in defense cooperation.
This development marks a significant shift in Chad's foreign policy and opens up new possibilities for collaboration with a diverse range of international partners. The decision to redefine its security partnerships reflects Chad's evolving priorities and strategic objectives in the region.
