France and Chad are strengthening their economic ties, with a recent business forum in Paris attracting around 250 companies. The forum aimed to encourage French investments in Chad, with several agreements signed in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, and energy. This development is part of Chad's ambitious plan to mobilize $30 billion in investments and increase its GDP by 60% by 2030.
The rapprochement between France and Chad comes after a period of strained relations, marked by Chad's decision to terminate a defense agreement with France in November 2024. This move ended six decades of French military presence in Chad and was seen as another setback for France in the Sahel region. However, the two countries have since been working to rebuild their relationship, with French President Emmanuel Macron receiving Chad's President Mahamat Idriss Déby at the Élysée in January 2026.
While the economic aspect of the renewed partnership is being emphasized, security cooperation is also being reestablished, albeit discreetly. According to sources, French officers visited Chad in April to assess the country's military needs in terms of training, capacity building, and intelligence. This cooperation is said to be "prudent" and "progressive," with a focus on providing intelligence to Chad's military rather than reestablishing a large French military presence.
The security cooperation is taking place in a challenging regional environment, with the conflict in Sudan posing a direct threat to Chad's security. Chad has been accused by the Sudanese military of facilitating the delivery of Emirati arms to the Rapid Support Forces, which Chad denies. At the same time, Chad's relations with the United Arab Emirates have deepened, with around $700 million in loans and direct financing provided between 2023 and 2024.
Chad is seeking to diversify its partnerships to reduce its dependence on any one ally. This strategy is driving its outreach to countries like Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. In the context of its security needs, Chad had turned to Turkish drones, which have become popular among African militaries. However, the effectiveness of this solution is uncertain, according to informed sources.
The French ambassador to Chad, Amina Priscille Longoh, describes the renewed relationship as one of regular consultations and better listening. The two countries' finance ministers also met on the sidelines of the economic forum, underscoring the strengthened economic ties. While the security aspect of the partnership is being downplayed, it is clear that France and Chad are rebuilding a multifaceted relationship.
Chad's efforts to enhance its security capabilities are ongoing, with a focus on intelligence gathering and surveillance. According to sources, Chad is seeking to acquire a small fleet of reconnaissance aircraft capable of monitoring its entire border. This development is part of a broader effort to address the country's security challenges, including the threat posed by jihadist groups linked to Boko Haram around Lake Chad.
Key points
- France and Chad are rebuilding their relationship with a focus on economic cooperation, but security ties are also being reestablished discreetly.
- The renewed partnership is taking place in a challenging regional environment, with the conflict in Sudan posing a direct threat to Chad's security.
- Chad is seeking to diversify its partnerships to reduce its dependence on any one ally, driving its outreach to countries like Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.
