France and Chad have resumed military cooperation, marking a significant improvement in relations between the two countries. The cooperation was put on hold in 2024 when Chad ended a six-decade security arrangement with France. Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Chadian leader Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno for talks in Paris, resulting in a declaration of intent to structure their defence cooperation on a renewed basis.
As part of the renewed cooperation, two Mirage fighter jets and a transport aircraft from France will make a stopover in Chad, where they will carry out training activities. The stopover is part of a joint military exercise involving the armed forces of Ivory Coast, Gabon, and France in November. This move demonstrates France's commitment to contributing to efforts against regional instability and helping develop the capabilities of the Chadian air force.
According to Xavier Rival, spokesperson for the French chief of defence staff, the resumption of cooperation with Chad is based on full respect for Chad's sovereignty. France's objective is to support regional stability and enhance the military capabilities of its partners. The renewed cooperation includes military training, equipment supplies, and intelligence sharing, which had been suspended since Chad ended the security arrangement with France.
The improvement in relations between France and Chad is significant, given Chad's strategic location in the Sahel region. Chad had been one of France's last military footholds in the region, where Paris once deployed over 5,000 soldiers as part of the anti-jihadist Operation Barkhane. The operation ended in November 2022, and France was forced to withdraw from nearby Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger following coups in these countries between 2020 and 2023.
The renewed cooperation between France and Chad is part of a broader effort to address regional security challenges. The Sahel region has been plagued by instability, with jihadist groups posing a significant threat to the region's security. France's engagement with Chad and other regional partners aims to mitigate these threats and promote stability in the region.
During President Deby's visit to Paris in October, France and Chad signed a declaration of intent to structure their defence cooperation on a renewed basis. The Elysee confirmed that security cooperation was restored at the beginning of the year, focusing on military training, equipment supplies, and intelligence sharing. This cooperation is expected to enhance Chad's military capabilities and contribute to regional stability.
The resumption of military cooperation between France and Chad marks a significant development in their bilateral relations. The two countries are working together to address regional security challenges, with a focus on promoting stability and enhancing military capabilities. Key aspects of the renewed cooperation include joint military exercises, equipment supplies, and intelligence sharing.
Key points
- France and Chad have resumed military cooperation, with joint exercises and equipment supplies aimed at promoting regional stability.
- The renewed cooperation is based on full respect for Chad's sovereignty, with a focus on enhancing the country's military capabilities.
- The improved relations between France and Chad are significant, given Chad's strategic location in the Sahel region.
