The French military has announced that two Mirage 2000 fighter jets and a CASA transport plane will soon make a short technical stop in Chad. The stop, which will be brief, will also involve training exercises with the Chadian air force. This move is part of the GEX military exercise, which is being held in Côte d'Ivoire and Gabon from November 8 to 30. The exercise aims to strengthen military cooperation and stability in the region.
The announcement comes after a period of strained relations between France and Chad. In November 2024, Chad unilaterally terminated its defense agreement with France, ending six decades of French military presence in the country. The French military completed its withdrawal in January 2025. However, there have been signs of improving relations, including a visit by Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno to the Élysée Palace in January.
The visit by President Déby Itno marked a significant shift in relations between the two countries. On October 13, France and Chad signed a declaration of intent to structure their defense cooperation on new terms. The agreement includes exchanges in areas such as training, expertise, industry, and technology. This new cooperation framework aims to strengthen the capabilities of the Chadian air force while respecting the country's sovereignty.
The French military presence in Chad has been a subject of controversy in recent years. The country has been a key partner in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel region. France has been leading a military operation in the region since 2013, with Chad serving as a strategic hub. The new agreement is seen as a way to revitalize cooperation between the two countries and address regional security challenges.
According to Colonel Xavier Rival, the spokesperson for the French military, the technical stop in Chad is a demonstration of France's commitment to supporting the country's military. The training exercises will focus on enhancing the capabilities of the Chadian air force. The French military has been working closely with Chadian forces to combat terrorist groups in the region.
The rapprochement between France and Chad has been welcomed by analysts as a positive development for regional stability. The two countries have a long history of cooperation, and the new agreement is seen as a way to strengthen ties. The agreement also reflects France's commitment to supporting African countries in their efforts to address security challenges.
The technical stop by French military aircraft in Chad is a significant development in the context of the country's relations with France. The move is seen as a way to strengthen military cooperation and stability in the region. Key aspects of the new cooperation framework include training exercises and exchanges in areas such as expertise and technology.
Key points
- France and Chad have signed a declaration of intent to structure their defense cooperation on new terms, including exchanges in areas such as training, expertise, industry, and technology.
