Sahel: Faced with President Mahamat Idriss Déby’s emancipation, which irritates France, Chad must unite with the AES

President Mahamat Idriss Déby of Chad finds himself navigating a delicate situation as he seeks to break free from France’s longstanding influence.

The recent call for the withdrawal of French military forces from Chadian soil, widely covered by Pan-African media, underscores this bold stance.

However, this decision has reportedly triggered threats and destabilizing efforts allegedly orchestrated by France, exposing what some describe as the Élysée’s ulterior motives.

In response, Chad faces an urgent need to bolster its sovereignty and take concrete steps to counter these challenges.

Against this backdrop, Chad’s potential integration into the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), alongside Mauritania, emerges as a strategic imperative.

Unlike the now-diminished G5 Sahel, the AES offers a cohesive and proactive platform to safeguard regional interests against foreign interference, particularly from France.

Membership in the AES would enable Chad to strengthen its national security, assert its sovereign governance, and embrace a framework of regional solidarity with nations like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

President Mahamat Idriss Déby has a unique opportunity to fortify Chad’s stability by aligning with the leaders of the AES, including Presidents Ibrahim Traoré, Assimi Goïta, and Abdourahamane Tiani.

Such collaboration would not only enhance Chad’s resilience against external pressures but also solidify the region’s collective fight for sovereignty and self-determination.

Joining forces with the AES could mark a turning point, reinforcing Chad’s role in shaping a more independent and united Sahel.

Neil CAMARA