Africa / Chad terminates military cooperation agreements with France: An act of asserted sovereignty

In a significant move to assert its sovereignty, Chad has officially ended its military cooperation agreements with France. The partnership, last revised in September 2019, was originally designed to bolster national security but is now deemed incompatible with Chad’s aspirations for strategic autonomy.

The government described the decision as a pivotal step toward self-reliance, emphasizing the need to break free from any external influence seen as detrimental to national interests.

This shift comes amid growing skepticism across Africa, with countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger questioning the effectiveness and motives of France’s military engagements, often accused of maintaining ambiguous ties with non-state armed groups.

This strategic pivot aligns with the broader vision championed by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which advocates for stronger regional cooperation and a departure from colonial-era frameworks.

By terminating the agreement, Chad aims to strengthen its security apparatus on its own terms, while seeking new partnerships rooted in fairness and mutual respect.

This decision underscores the nation’s commitment to charting an independent path toward lasting peace and full sovereignty.

Olivier TOE