French fighter jets have departed Chad’s capital, marking the start of the withdrawal process following the termination of a decades-long military pact.
Two Mirage warplanes based in N’Djamena left the capital, signaling the end of an era in Chad’s relationship with France.
Colonel Guillaume Vernet, a spokesperson for the French Army, confirmed the departure of the jets.
“This marks the beginning of the return of French equipment stationed in N’Djamena,” Vernet announced.
The withdrawal is the first concrete step after Chad’s government announced on November 28 that it was ending its defence cooperation agreement with France.
The decision came as a shock, cutting off a partnership that had lasted for decades.
Observers believe Chad’s move is part of a growing wave of anti-French sentiment across West and Central Africa.
France has already been forced to pull out of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger following military coups and public backlash in those countries.
Chad’s announcement has raised questions about France’s role in the Sahel, where it has been battling Islamist militants.
With around 1,000 French troops still stationed in Chad, discussions are ongoing about the timeline for a complete withdrawal.
Colonel Vernet explained that the process would take “several more weeks” to finalize.
This withdrawal signals the end of France’s direct military operations in the region, leaving the Sahel’s security landscape uncertain.
For years, Chad served as a strategic base for French operations against Islamist militants across Africa’s Sahel region.
French troops stationed in N’Djamena coordinated counter-terrorism missions under Operation Barkhane.
Operation Barkhane was France’s flagship mission against jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
In 2022, France announced the end of Operation Barkhane and scaled back its presence in the region.
However, Chad remained a key ally, hosting French forces and equipment.
The sudden termination of the pact has exposed growing tensions between France and its African partners.
Experts believe Chad’s decision reflects a broader rejection of France’s military involvement in African affairs.
Many African nations see France’s presence as a symbol of colonial-era dominance.
The wave of anti-French sentiment has been fueled by protests and calls for sovereignty across the region.
In Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, military leaders have accused France of meddling in local affairs.
These governments have turned to alternative allies, such as Russia, for military support.
Chad’s decision to cut ties with France follows similar patterns seen in other Sahel nations.
Critics of France’s military presence argue that its interventions have not brought long-term stability.
The Sahel continues to face threats from armed groups, displacement of communities, and economic challenges.
France’s withdrawal from Chad could embolden Islamist militants in the region.
Without French support, Chad may face increased pressure to manage its own security challenges.
Some analysts warn that the void left by France could lead to greater instability.
Others see the move as an opportunity for African nations to assert independence in security matters.
The Chadian government has not provided detailed reasons for its decision to end the pact.
However, local reports suggest growing dissatisfaction with France’s role in the region.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron has faced mounting criticism over his Africa policies.
Opposition figures in France argue that Macron failed to adapt to changing dynamics in Africa.
As France retreats, questions remain about the future of its influence on the continent.
The departure of the Mirage jets from N’Djamena symbolizes the closing chapter of French-Chadian military cooperation.
For many in Chad, this development represents a turning point in the country’s history.
The Chadian government now faces the challenge of managing security without its long-time ally.
Meanwhile, France will need to reconsider its approach to Africa as it deals with the loss of another strategic partner.
