France has officially handed over its first military base in Chad, marking the beginning of its full withdrawal.
The base, located in the northern town of Faya-Largeau, was transferred to Chadian control as confirmed by the country’s military chief of staff. French troops departed for N’Djamena, 780 kilometers to the south, with vehicles en route to their final destination.
The French military noted the handover adhered to an agreed timeline and conditions set with Chadian authorities. This marks the start of a wider process, with upcoming withdrawals from Abeche and N’Djamena to follow.
Last month, Chad unexpectedly ended its military cooperation with France, prompting French forces to begin their departure last Friday. This decision coincides with Chad’s upcoming parliamentary and local elections, slated for Sunday.
Chad had been a crucial ally in France’s military strategy in Africa, housing approximately 1,000 French personnel. The exit underscores France’s diminishing footprint in the Sahel region following its forced withdrawals from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Military planes, including an Antonov 124, carried 70 tonnes of cargo out of Chad on Thursday. French vehicles are expected to exit by January, heading to the Cameroonian port of Douala for repatriation.
Chad’s leader, General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, has recently strengthened ties with Moscow, although tangible results remain elusive. This shift mirrors a broader regional trend as other Sahelian nations pivot towards Russian partnerships.
France’s presence in Chad dates back to the country’s independence in 1960, with its troops and aircraft playing critical roles in training Chadian forces and countering rebel threats.
The withdrawal symbolizes the end of an era as France recalibrates its military engagements in Africa.
