Chad has officially terminated its decades-long defense cooperation agreement with France, marking a pivotal shift in the central African nation's foreign policy. The decision, announced Thursday, will require French troops—stationed in Chad for counterterrorism operations—to withdraw, raising questions about regional security dynamics. 🛡️
The government emphasized the move aligns with its goal to 'fully assert sovereignty' 66 years after independence. A Foreign Ministry statement noted the termination would allow Chad to 'redefine strategic partnerships,' hinting at recent ties with Russia. 🇷🇺
While France has yet to comment, tensions simmer: Paris reportedly received no advance notice. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot was in Chad the same day, visiting the Sudan border as discussions about reducing France's military footprint in Africa unfold. ✈️
With 1,000 French troops and warplanes currently in Chad, the exit process will follow 'harmonious transition' protocols. Analysts speculate this could reshape alliances in the Sahel, a region grappling with jihadist threats. 🌍💡
