N’Djamena, Chad — France has formally handed over its first military base in Chad as part of an ongoing withdrawal of French forces from the country, officials from both nations announced Thursday.
The transition marks a significant step in ending France’s military presence in Chad, a relationship that dates back to the country’s independence in 1960.
The base at Faya-Largeau, located in northern Chad, was transferred to Chadian control earlier this week.
Chad’s military chief of staff confirmed the handover, adding that updates on withdrawals from other bases in the eastern city of Abeche and the capital N’Djamena would follow in due course.
French troops stationed at Faya-Largeau departed in vehicles bound for N’Djamena, located 780 kilometers (480 miles) south.
However, no specific numbers of departing personnel were disclosed. The French military chief of staff stated, “The handover took place in accordance with the calendar and the conditions agreed with Chad.”
Transition in Progress
The French army previously maintained a force of approximately 1,000 personnel in Chad, with fighter aircraft stationed in the country providing crucial air support against rebel offensives.
A spokesperson for Chad’s military revealed that an Antonov 124 aircraft had taken off on Thursday, carrying 70 tonnes of equipment as part of the logistical efforts to support the withdrawal.
French authorities noted that military vehicles would exit Chad entirely by January 2025, with plans for repatriation through the Cameroonian port of Douala.
This withdrawal comes just weeks after Chad abruptly ended its longstanding military cooperation with France. French troops began leaving last Friday, following the redeployment of French warplanes ten days earlier.
End of an Era
Chad has long been a cornerstone of France’s military presence in Africa, serving as its last operational foothold in the Sahel region after withdrawals from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Those exits were precipitated by a wave of military coups in recent years, as Sahelian governments have increasingly pivoted towards Russia for military and economic support.
While Chad has yet to fully embrace such a shift, its leader, General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, has engaged in talks with Moscow to bolster economic ties. These discussions, however, have not yielded concrete agreements thus far.
Historic Role of French Forces
French soldiers and fighter aircraft have played a critical role in Chad’s history, helping to train its military and offering decisive support in several conflicts.
In 2008 and 2019, French airpower was instrumental in repelling rebel offensives aimed at toppling then-President Idriss Deby Itno, the father of the current leader.
The elder Deby’s death in 2021 during clashes with rebels triggered a three-year political transition, which concluded with the election of General Deby in May 2024.
Upcoming Elections
The military withdrawal coincides with Chad’s parliamentary and local elections, set for Sunday. These elections are seen as a significant step toward stabilizing the country after years of political uncertainty.
As French forces continue their departure, Chad’s government faces the challenge of redefining its security strategy while navigating an evolving geopolitical landscape in the Sahel.
