French President Emmanuel Macron and Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno began to mend ties in January, marking a significant shift in their relationship. The two leaders have been working to "demilitarize" and diversify their cooperation, with a focus on economic development. A forum held in Paris on September 25 brought together 250 French businesses to encourage investment in Chad. The Chadian government aims to raise $30 billion and increase its GDP by 60% by 2030.
The rapprochement between France and Chad comes after a period of strained relations, with Chad ending a 60-year-old defense agreement with France in November 2024. The move was part of a broader trend of France's influence waning in the Sahel region, following its withdrawal from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. However, both countries have expressed a desire to strengthen economic ties, with Chad's ambassador to Paris, Amina Priscille Longoh, describing the dynamic as "very good" with "regular consultations" and a "sincere consideration" for Chad's interests.
The French and Chadian governments have signed several protocols of agreement in areas such as agriculture, health, infrastructure, and energy. Chad's Finance Minister, Tahir Hamid Nguilin, met with his French counterpart, Roland Lescure, to discuss cooperation on economic development. The two countries have also agreed to enhance security cooperation, with a team of French officers deployed to Chad in April to assess the country's security needs.
While the security cooperation has been discreet, with no large-scale deployment of French troops, both sides have confirmed that it has resumed. A Chadian military officer said that French agents are working with Chad's National Security Agency to share intelligence on jihadist groups, including Boko Haram. The officer added that Chad hopes to receive a small fleet of reconnaissance aircraft from France to monitor its borders.
Chad has been seeking to diversify its security partnerships, with significant financial support from the United Arab Emirates. However, experts have raised concerns about the sustainability of this partnership, given the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Chad's President Deby has faced accusations of facilitating arms supplies to Sudanese paramilitary groups.
The Chadian military has also faced challenges in maintaining its equipment, including Turkish drones that were acquired to compensate for the loss of French military support. However, some of these drones have been grounded due to unpaid maintenance fees. French officials have expressed a desire to re-establish a presence in the Sahel region.
The new partnership between France and Chad reflects a broader shift in France's strategy in the Sahel region, with a greater emphasis on economic development and cooperation. Key aspects of the partnership include economic development, security cooperation, and infrastructure investment.
Key points
- France and Chad have signed new economic partnerships, including agreements in agriculture, health, infrastructure, and energy.
- The two countries have also agreed to enhance security cooperation, with a focus on sharing intelligence on jihadist groups.
- Chad's President Deby has been seeking to diversify the country's security partnerships, including with the United Arab Emirates and Turkey.
