Chad's military break with France marks beginning of French troop exit

France began the withdrawal of its troops from Chad on Friday, following a decision by N'Djamena to end military cooperation with its former colonial power last month, according to the Chadian Defense Ministry.

"The General Staff of the Armed Forces informs National and International Opinion that after the withdrawal of French fighter planes from Chad, the beginning of troop withdrawal has just started today," the ministry announced in an official statement, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media sources.

The statement added that the phased pullout of combat units will be coordinated with the transportation of necessary logistics.

Chad had given France a deadline of January 31 to remove 1,000 soldiers and their equipment, which was officially communicated to Paris on December 19.

This move comes after Chad’s Foreign Ministry declared the end of its military cooperation with France on November 28. French forces, including fighter jets and soldiers, had been stationed in Chad since its independence in 1960, providing military training and support.

In the aftermath of Chad's decision, the French Mirage 2000D fighter jets, along with a refueling aircraft, departed the country last week, marking the beginning of the withdrawal process. The Chadian government expressed appreciation for past cooperation but signaled a desire to pursue new forms of partnership through dialogue.

Chad's decision reflects broader shifts in the Sahel region, with countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger severing military ties with France. These nations, which have formed the Alliance of Sahel States to combat jihadist threats, have also expelled French military forces amid growing anti-French sentiment in the region.

Protests against France's presence have been particularly intense in Mali and Burkina Faso, both former French colonies.

By Tamilla Hasanova