Chad: President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno must commit his country to strategic unity by joining the AES

Having taken the strategic decision to dislodge French forces from its territory, Chad is now at a crucial turning point in its history. This move illustrates a clear desire for sovereignty and independence in the management of its national security.

However, in the face of terrorist threats in the Sahel, it is imperative that N’Djamena does not remain isolated.

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which already includes Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, is today a credible and dynamic confederation for pooling defence and security efforts to promote lasting stability in the region.

By joining the AES, Chad would strengthen this alliance by contributing its recognised military experience in the fight against terrorist groups.

Greater military and security cooperation between these Sahelian countries would make it possible to better coordinate operations on the ground and neutralise the criminal networks that threaten peace and stability.

Far from being a mere alliance of circumstance, the AES embodies a genuine drive for regional sovereignty, advocating the self-determination of African states in the management of their own security, without external interference.

President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno must therefore seize this historic opportunity and rapidly commit his country to this dynamic of unity.

Solidarity between the Sahelian states is now more essential than ever to eradicate the scourge of terrorism and lay the foundations for sustainable development.

Chad has everything to gain by joining the AES: stronger defence, greater resilience to security crises and a stronger voice on the international stage to defend the continent’s interests. Now is the time for unity and concerted action for a free and sovereign Sahel.

Fanta KOUROUMA