France Military Withdrawal from Chad
The France military withdrawal from Chad commenced as two Mirage 2000-D fighter jets departed from a French military base in N’Djamena, Chad, on Tuesday.
This marked the first step in scaling down France’s military presence in the country following Chad’s decision to end its defense cooperation agreement with Paris.
Mirage Fighter Jets Depart Chad Amid Defense Shift
In a notable development, two Mirage 2000-D fighter jets stationed in Chad took off for France’s airbase in Nancy, signaling a shift in the France military withdrawal from Chad process. 
French military spokesman Col. Guillaume Vernet confirmed that discussions with Chadian authorities are ongoing regarding the timeline and extent of the troop withdrawal.
Chad’s Strategic Redefinition Ends French Cooperation
Chad’s government recently declared the termination of its defense cooperation agreement with France, describing it as a pivotal moment in its post-independence history.
Officials explained that the decision allows Chad to realign its strategic partnerships based on national priorities.
Despite this, Chad’s leadership emphasized that the move does not negate historical ties with France and expressed interest in maintaining cooperation in other areas of mutual interest.
Regional Dynamics Influence France’s Troop Withdrawal
France’s military presence in Chad, one of its last strongholds in the Sahel region, has waned following similar withdrawals from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. These nations have shifted their alliances toward Russia, hosting mercenaries to combat insurgencies in the Sahel.
Last week, local sentiments against the French military presence were evident as hundreds marched in N’Djamena, chanting, “Chad for us, France out!” Demonstrators held banners declaring their opposition to foreign troops.
France’s Withdrawal Reflects Changing Geopolitical Alliances
The France military withdrawal from Chad signals a broader realignment of international defense partnerships in Africa.
As France scales back its presence, Chad and other nations in the region appear poised to redefine their strategies to prioritize national sovereignty and explore new alliances.
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