France Faces Military Withdrawals from Chad and Senegal in Latest Diplomatic Setback

Chad and Senegal join a growing list of African nations rejecting French military presence, signaling a shift in regional dynamics and post-colonial relations.

Chad and Senegal have announced the end of their military agreements with France, marking a significant blow to French influence in Africa.
The decisions come shortly after French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot's visit to Chad, with Senegal's president emphasizing sovereignty and independence in his statement.
This follows similar moves by Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and the Central African Republic since 2022, as anti-French sentiment grows across the continent.
African leaders are increasingly seeking alternative partnerships, such as with Russia and China, to reduce dependence on France and redefine their international relations.
France is now pivoting its military focus toward Eastern Europe, with plans to bolster its presence in Ukraine as part of broader security commitments in the region.