France Begins Troop Withdrawal from Chad Following Defense Pact Termination

Chad's decision to end a decades-long military agreement with France marks a significant shift in its foreign policy and France's waning influence in the Sahel region.

Chad formally ended its defense agreement with France on November 28, citing sovereignty concerns, and requested the withdrawal of 1,000 French troops by January 31, 2025.
The first contingent of 120 French soldiers departed from N'Djamena on December 20, with further evacuations of personnel and equipment planned in the coming weeks.
Chad was France's last military stronghold in the Sahel after similar troop expulsions from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where governments have pivoted toward closer ties with Russia.
The withdrawal follows years of French military presence in Chad, which began in 1960, providing training and air support to counter insurgencies and rebel threats.
Negotiations between France and Chad continue to address logistical challenges, with both sides emphasizing the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations despite the troop withdrawal.