Chad Ends Military Pact with France; Senegal Demands French Troops Withdrawal
Chad has terminated its military pact with France, demanding the withdrawal of French troops. This announcement follows a meeting between the foreign ministers of both countries. Senegal’s President has similarly called for the removal of French bases, emphasizing sovereignty. These developments signal a potential shift in military relationships in the region, influenced by historical grievances and current geopolitical dynamics.
The government of Chad has officially terminated its defense cooperation agreement with France, the country’s former colonial ruler. This unexpected decision was announced shortly after a meeting between Chad’s Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah and his French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot in the Chadian capital of N’Djamena. Minister Koulamallah emphasized that this action marks a critical juncture for Chad in asserting its sovereignty and re-evaluating its international partnerships based on national interests.
Following the announcement, which demands the withdrawal of approximately one thousand French troops stationed in Chad, the French government has yet to respond. Notably, Chad’s move occurs in the context of growing calls across Africa for an end to military presence by external powers, particularly France, which has recently withdrawn its forces from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger after military coups. Moreover, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has echoed similar sentiments, advocating for the closure of French military bases in Senegal.
President Faye highlighted a historic admission by French President Emmanuel Macron regarding past atrocities against Senegalese soldiers, underscoring the importance of sovereignty. He articulated, “Senegal is an independent country; it is a sovereign country and sovereignty does not accept the presence of military bases in a sovereign country.” Both countries stress that their decisions are not indicative of a broader rejection of France, but rather a reaffirmation of their independence.
The recent decisions by Chad and Senegal to reassess their military relations with France are part of a larger trend among African nations seeking to redefine their international partnerships. This movement comes against a backdrop of increasing instability within the region, exemplified by military coups in neighboring countries that have prompted France to withdraw its military presence. The sentiments expressed by leaders in these nations reflect a growing ambition among African governments to assert their sovereignty and address historical grievances associated with colonial legacies.
Chad’s termination of its defense pact with France is a significant assertion of national sovereignty that may influence similar movements among other African nations. The statements by officials across both Chad and Senegal reflect a conscious effort to redefine security partnerships and promote independence from former colonial powers. As tensions rise amidst changing geopolitical landscapes, it remains to be seen how this shift will affect France’s role in the region and its relations with African nations moving forward.
Original Source: www.politico.eu
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