France Begins Military Withdrawal from Chad

France has initiated the process of withdrawing its military forces from Chad, marking a significant shift in its military presence in the Sahel region. The withdrawal comes after years of French involvement in counterterrorism operations in Africa, particularly in the fight against militant groups in the Sahel, including Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
This decision follows France’s broader re-evaluation of its military strategy in Africa, where President Emmanuel Macron has increasingly called for a redefined role in the region. The French military has been a key partner in various operations, including the Barkhane mission aimed at combating jihadist insurgents.
However, recent shifts in Chad’s political landscape, including the death of longtime leader Idriss Déby in 2021 and the subsequent establishment of a transitional government, have led to this gradual military drawdown. While France maintains strong diplomatic and military ties with Chad, the French government has signaled a desire to scale back its military footprint and transition to a more cooperative role with African nations in securing regional stability.
The withdrawal is part of a broader plan to recalibrate France’s engagement in Africa, reflecting both changing political dynamics within the region and growing concerns over the effectiveness of foreign military interventions in Africa’s long-term stability. As French troops depart, the focus is shifting to enhancing local capacities, with an emphasis on supporting African nations in handling their own security challenges.