
Chad’s President Mahamat Deby announced the termination of the military pact with France, declaring it outdated and ineffective.
In a Sunday evening address, Deby emphasized that the agreement no longer served Chad’s security or geopolitical interests.
For over a decade, Chad has faced a relentless insurgency, but support from French and U.S. troops has failed to restore stability.
Deby framed the move as a step toward building an autonomous and accountable Chadian military, better equipped to defend the nation.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty and modernizing its defense capabilities.
Chad, once a key Western ally in combating terror threats in the Sahel, is grappling with militant groups linked to Boko Haram and Islamic State.
These groups have launched repeated attacks, particularly in the volatile Lake Chad region bordering Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon.
In October, a devastating assault on a Chadian military base claimed the lives of 40 soldiers, prompting Deby to reconsider the country’s role in multinational security efforts.
The withdrawal from the pact with France signals a broader shift in Chad’s strategic alliances.
French troops, stationed in Chad since its independence in 1960, may now be required to leave, marking the end of a six-decade-long military partnership.
Earlier this year, Chad expelled a contingent of U.S. forces, further underscoring its pivot toward self-reliance.
Deby clarified that Chad remains open to partnerships, including with France, provided they align with the country’s evolving priorities.
He noted that the decision reflects a new era of governance and security strategy in the region.