Historic Move: Chad and Senegal Announce Termination Of French Military Presence On Their Soil

Chad and Senegal have announced the termination of French military presence on their soil, marking another blow to France’s diminishing influence in Africa.

On Thursday, 29 November 2024, Chad declared it would terminate its defence cooperation agreement with France, paving the way for the withdrawal of French troops from the country. Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah explained that Chad needs to fully assert its independence after 66 years of sovereignty.

“The government of the Republic of Chad informs national and international opinion of its decision to end the accord in the field of defence signed with the French republic,” Koulamallah said in an official statement shared on Facebook.

The statement clarified that the decision does not mean cutting all ties with France but is aimed at reshaping partnerships to better suit Chad’s national interests. While he did not specify a timeline for the troop withdrawal, Koulamallah assured that Chad would respect the terms of the agreement.

“France remains an important partner, but Chad has grown, matured, and is now a sovereign nation proud of its independence….. Chad will follow the necessary procedures outlined in the accord, including observing the required timelines, and will work with French authorities to ensure a smooth transition,” the minister said.

This announcement came shortly after a meeting between French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby. Chad, a key Western ally in the Sahel, has been drawing closer to Russia in recent years. This shift aligns with similar actions by other African countries in the region. Earlier this year, Chad also ordered the United States to halt activities at an air base near the capital N’Djamena.

With this recent decision, France will lose its remaining military presence in Chad, which includes around 1,000 soldiers, warplanes, and bases in the capital, N’Djamena. Chad’s decision follows similar moves by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which have ended defence agreements with France. Chad’s move is particularly significant due to its strategic importance in the Sahel.

In Senegal, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has also called for French troops to leave. In an interview with Le Monde, Faye questioned the presence of 350 French soldiers in Senegal, stating that it “does not align with [the] idea of sovereignty and independence.” He pointed out that Senegal has successful partnerships with countries like the United States, China, and Turkey without hosting their military bases.

Faye also recounted the Thiaroye massacre of December 1944, which until recently, the French authorities had referred to it as a ‘mutiny’. France has reportedly continued to commit crimes against Africans and Africa, even undermining the security of sovereign states in many instances.

Some African nations have began to push back against France’s historical dominance in the region. Alliance of Sahel States (AES) members such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, have since expelled French troops after military coups and aligned with Russia.

Since cutting defence ties with France, AES countries have made significant economic and security gains. Mali, for example, has focused on reforming its mining sector and boosting rural development. Burkina Faso redirected funds towards agriculture and infrastructure , improving food security and rural livelihoods. Similarly, Niger launched military training programmes within its borders and invested in mining projects, using its uranium and gold reserves to strengthen its economy.

These developments have encouraged other African nations to prioritise economic independence and the assertion of their sovereignty.

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