Key Points
- France plans to scale back its military presence in West Africa.
- Chad’s decision to end the defense pact could undermine French influence.
- Russia and other powers are gaining ground in Africa as France retreats.
France’s plans to reduce its military footprint in West and Central Africa are facing a major setback, with the sudden decision by Chad to end its long-standing defense cooperation agreement.
The move, which French officials were caught off guard by, could significantly undermine France’s influence in the region at a time when Russia and other countries are expanding their presence.
The shift comes as France has been gradually withdrawing troops from several African countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, following a rise in anti-French sentiment, military coups, and growing instability in the Sahel.
The latest change, however, could mark the beginning of the end for France’s security engagement in the region, analysts say.
Chad’s decision surprises France
According to a report by Reuters, French officials were taken aback on Thursday when Chad’s government announced it was ending its defense pact with France, which could lead to the removal of French troops from the country.
Chad, a key ally in the fight against Islamic militants in the Sahel, had hosted French forces for decades, and the French military has long considered it a logistical hub for operations in Central Africa.
A French source familiar with the situation said that the decision to cut troop levels from around 2,200 to just 600 had not been discussed with Chad’s government, leading to tensions between the two nations.
The largest contingent of French forces in the region had been stationed in Chad, with roughly 1,000 troops until now.
“Chad was the aircraft carrier of the French army, its logistical headquarters,” said Ulf Laessing, director of the Sahel Programme at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
“If Chad doesn’t exist, the French army will have a huge problem running its operations across the region.”
While Chad’s move is seen as a statement of sovereignty, it also highlights the growing dissatisfaction with foreign military presence in the region. Many African nations have increasingly demanded greater autonomy in their security affairs, and Chad’s decision reflects that shift.
French military drawdown: The bigger picture
France’s planned military drawdown in Africa, which had been under discussion for months, aligns with broader shifts in the country’s defense strategy.
With increased budgetary pressures and the ongoing war in Ukraine, France has been focused on scaling back its overseas military presence.
The remaining French troops in the region will likely focus on training, intelligence sharing, and responding to specific requests for assistance from regional governments.
While French officials have said they will continue dialogue with Chad and other African partners, the loss of such a crucial base marks a significant loss of influence in the Sahel.
France has already been forced to withdraw from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, following military coups in those countries and rising anti-French sentiment.
A similar trend has been observed in Senegal, where President Bassirou Diomaye Faye recently stated that the presence of French troops in his country was no longer appropriate.
In its response to Chad’s decision, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it took note of Chad’s move and hoped to continue discussions on the matter.
French officials have downplayed concerns that Russia could fill the void left by France, pointing out that Chad and Russia support rival factions in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, and Russia has its own military commitments in Syria and Ukraine.
Growing russian influence in Africa
As France and the U.S. pull back from Africa, Russia has been expanding its influence, particularly in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where Russian mercenaries have been fighting alongside military governments against Islamist militants.
Moscow’s growing presence in Africa has raised alarms in the West, especially as the continent becomes an increasingly important geopolitical battleground for resources and strategic positioning.
However, experts argue that while Russia is gaining ground in certain parts of Africa, the immediate impact of Chad’s decision to end its cooperation with France is unclear.
Moscow has its own interests in the region, including its involvement in Sudan’s conflict, which pits Russian-backed groups against those supported by Chad.
Despite these challenges, French officials are hopeful that their long-term relationships with African nations will survive the current turbulence.
The French government is committed to maintaining partnerships in the region, especially in the fight against terrorism and jihadist groups that have plagued parts of the Sahel.
However, as France rethinks its strategy, it remains to be seen how the shifting dynamics in Africa will affect its future role on the continent.
