Chad Ends Military Pact with France Amid Security Concerns

Chad terminated its defense cooperation agreement with France at the end of 2024, concluding a 65-year military partnership that had seen approximately 1,000 French troops stationed in Chad. These forces provided intelligence and logistical support to the Chadian military.

The Chadian government stated that this decision was necessary to assert its full sovereignty. Following the termination of the agreement, Chad has encountered challenges in diversifying its military partnerships while dealing with security threats, particularly from Boko Haram around Lake Chad and the MPRD rebel group in Moyen Chari Province.

For France, re-establishing military cooperation with Chad could offer a strategic foothold for extending influence across Central Africa and the Sahel region. However, this development may strain Chad's relations with neighboring countries and complicate President Mahamat Idriss Déby’s anti-colonial stance, especially among the younger population.