Chad ends France’s military presence in the country, and France notes the decision without further reaction.
France’s military role in Africa, which has long been a pillar of French foreign policy and economy, is shifting dramatically. The recent evacuation of French troops from Niger, Chad, and Senegal marks a fundamental shift in the country’s relations with former colonies and attitude to regional security.
France’s decision to accept Chad’s choice reflects a larger shift in its Sahel strategy. Chad, a former significant partner in counterterrorism operations, particularly Operation Barkhane, has grown increasingly wary of French involvement. The long-standing partnership has been under pressure due to anti-French sentiment and the country’s efforts to diversify its diplomatic alliances, most notably with Russia and China.
France – Chad relations started to cause tension in 2022. There were anti-France demands from the parliamentarians, but the case got worse when a young Chad citizen, Muhammad Dako, was fatally shot by a French soldier. This was the end of the road for France.
Many people today perceive the French military presence as obsolete and incompatible with local goals despite its past status as a stabilising force. This was the case in many other former colonies.
In Senegal, the departure of French troops indicates President Macky Sall’s commitment to improving the country’s military autonomy. Senegal’s stance underscores a growing regional trend towards asserting sovereignty over defence concerns.
While France has reiterated its commitment to West African stability, its lessened presence allows other global powers, such as the United States and China, to build regional ties.
The rupture in relations between France and Niger may have been the most significant event of all. Following the 2023 military coup in Niger, the transitional government demanded the departure of French personnel, accusing Paris of continuing neocolonial tactics. This marked the end of a formerly vital relationship in the Sahel, where France had stationed 1,500 troops to tackle Islamist threats.
The pullout not only hampers regional counterterrorism efforts but also demonstrates Niger’s shift towards alternative entities like Russia’s Wagner Group. France was resistant to keeping its troops in Niger, but it peacefully accepted Chad’s choice.
The simultaneous withdrawals from Chad, Senegal, Mali and Niger highlight France’s declining power in Africa. Once perceived as a stabilising factor, French military bases are now widely regarded as symbols of previous exploitation. Public opinion on the continent is becoming less tolerant of external military footprints, particularly those associated with previous colonial countries.
