The US military has withdrawn troops from a French military base in Chad after the country demanded they leave last month. More than half of the US troops stationed at the French military base in Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, have now left the country and relocated to Germany. The US’ Special Operations Task Force, an important hub for US Special Operations Forces in the region, was previously based in Germany before moving to Chad in 2021.
A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed the safe relocation of approximately 60 US forces from Chad to Germany, where they will continue their work. This temporary step is part of an ongoing review of security cooperation, which will resume after the May 6 Presidential election. Some US forces will remain in Chad, working out of the US embassy there, in addition to Marines who will continue providing embassy security.
The withdrawal from Chad comes after Chadian officials sent a letter to the US defense attaché last month threatening to cancel the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), which determines the rules for US military personnel operating in the country. The dispute is seen as a paperwork issue that will likely be resolved after Chad’s elections this month.
Meanwhile, the US is negotiating a safe and orderly withdrawal of over 1,000 troops from neighboring Niger after the military government ended its agreement with the US military. Discussions are focusing on logistics like securing clearances for military flights in and out of the country.
These developments come at a critical time for US interests in Africa, with American officials warning of expanding Russian influence across the continent. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, head of US Africa Command, highlighted the dilemma faced by Central African countries in balancing developmental assistance needs from countries like Russia and China against risks to national sovereignty.
Langley visited Chad in January this year, meeting with Chadian military leaders to strengthen partnerships with African nations. AFRICOM remains dedicated to building enduring partnerships with Chad and other African nations.
