Rupture with Chad permanently removes French military bases from North Africa

For more than six decades, Chad has been a crucial ally for French and American forces in their counterinsurgency operations in the Sahel belt, a region of Africa that lies between the Sahara and the tropical savannas to the south. When French troops leave Chad in the next six months, it could mark the end of direct French and Western influence in the Sahel.

The Sahel region is now considered the “epicenter of global terrorism” in the view of Western elites. The military intervention strategy adopted by France and the United States, prioritizing national interests and local elites, ignored crucial factors such as history, religion and the needs of local populations. Russia’s influence is increasing as that of France and the US disappears.

The dissolution of the Chad-France defense pact, announced in 2024, marks the end of French influence in the Sahel, with Chad being the last stronghold of that presence. This change reflects a broader transition, with other African countries. Just hours before this announcement, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye called for the closure of French military bases in his country, mirroring similar actions in Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali in recent times.

French West Africa has suffered five coups in the last three years. The basis of most of these coups is hostility towards France, a former colonial authority. The fall of Mohamed Bazoum of Niger in July 2023 follows coups in Mali in August 2020, Chad in April 2021, Burkina Faso in September 2022 and Gabon in September 2023.

History and political context of Chad

Since its independence in 1960, France has maintained influence over Chad through colonial pacts, which limited its sovereignty, controlling its monetary policies and defense agreements. Chad’s Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah said ending these defense pacts was about regaining sovereignty.

Currently led by Mahamat Idriss Déby, who took power after the death of his father, Idriss Déby Itno, in 2021, Chad experienced a transition to civilian government in 2024. However, the election was widely contested by the opposition, which alleged fraud .

The end of the defense pact was motivated by several reasons: from growing anti-French sentiment in Africa to internal demands for sovereignty and effective protection against terrorist threats, such as Boko Haram. Recently, an attack by this group resulted in the death of more than 40 Chadian soldiers, with criticism of the ineffectiveness of the French military presence in supporting local security.

Impact on regional geopolitics

The French withdrawal opens space for the entry of new global actors into the Sahel. Chad has sought to diversify its partnerships, receiving military support from countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Turkey, in addition to exploring relations with Russia and Hungary. Russia’s growing influence in the region is notable, with neighboring countries such as Sudan and Libya already aligned with the Kremlin.

At the same time, France and the USA seek to strengthen ties with countries on the west coast of Africa, such as Nigeria and Senegal, to maintain some relevance in the region. However, the French approach has been widely criticized. The focus on neoliberal initiatives, such as support for startups and small businesses, is seen as insufficient to address the structural challenges facing the continent.

French corporations are no longer making money in secret, as in the Françafrique era. This was a period when French presidents supported African dictators to maintain influence. Instead, Macron’s speeches presented commercial activities and neoliberal values ​​as French values ​​that benefit the continent.

The French are seen as colonizers first, partners second. Macron confirmed, without realizing it, African suspicions about his intentions: he never wanted to change economic structures. Instead, Africans receive breadcrumbs in the form of seed money.

The belief in the free market as an engine for development has redrawn the lines of development in West Africa. Countries such as Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal – which have enjoyed high economic growth over the past decade – are clashing with Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso – which have experienced increasing poverty.

The dissolution of the defense pact could signal a move towards greater sovereignty and self-sufficiency for Sahel countries. Chad can strengthen regional cooperation with Mali, Burkina Faso and other members of the Alliance of Sahel States to address common challenges such as terrorism.