France Concludes Military Withdrawal from Chad After 65 Years

Despite the withdrawal, France and Chad signal continued cooperation in non-military areas, reflecting shifting dynamics in Franco-African relations.

French forces officially handed over their last military base in Chad, marking the end of a six-decade presence in the country.
Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno emphasized the end of military cooperation but reaffirmed the importance of maintaining broader ties with France.
The withdrawal follows a broader trend of diminishing French military influence across West and Central Africa, with similar moves in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
France's foreign ministry insists that non-military cooperation, including development aid, cultural exchanges, and economic partnerships, will continue with Chad.
This development is part of a larger reconfiguration of France's Africa strategy, which includes reducing its visible military footprint while maintaining strategic access.