N’Djamena, Chad – On January 31, 2025, the final French troops left Chad, concluding over 60 years of military presence in the Central African nation. President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, 41, drove this historic decision, announced on November 28, 2024, to terminate defense agreements with France. The move reflects Chad’s quest for sovereignty, regional anti-colonial sentiment, and domestic political dynamics.
Deby’s order to withdraw French forces, completed with the handover of the Kossei base in N’Djamena, stemmed from a desire to end “obsolete” agreements dating back to Chad’s 1960 independence from France. Describing the exit as a “new dawn,” Deby emphasized self-reliance, though he clarified it was not a total break with France, only an end to military cooperation.
Several factors fueled this bold step. Across the Sahel, nations like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have expelled French forces, signaling a regional push against perceived neo-colonial influence. In Chad, tensions escalated after French President Emmanuel Macron implied African countries should be grateful for France’s counterterrorism efforts. Deby and Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah condemned the remarks as disrespectful, galvanizing calls for France’s exit. “This is about our dignity,” Koulamallah declared.
Domestically, Deby faced pressure to address anti-French sentiment, amplified by his consolidation of power through the Patriotic Salvation Movement in the 2024 elections. Ending the French presence bolstered his image as a leader prioritizing national pride, especially amid criticism over electoral transparency.
Security concerns loom large. French troops provided critical intelligence and logistics against insurgencies, and an attack on N’Djamena’s presidential complex on January 8, 2025, highlighted ongoing threats. Deby insists Chad’s military is ready, but analysts warn of vulnerabilities without French support. Meanwhile, Chad has explored new partnerships, notably with Russia, though no firm agreements have emerged.
Social media, particularly X posts on April 23, 2025, celebrated the withdrawal as part of Africa’s broader rejection of foreign dominance. Some posts inaccurately suggested the move was recent, underscoring the need to verify claims against primary sources.
Chad’s decision to end France’s military presence marks a pivotal shift toward autonomy. Yet, as the nation navigates a volatile region, questions remain about its security and future alliances.
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