France Forced to Speed Up Troop Withdrawal from Chad After Sudden Demand
France was caught off guard as Chad ordered the full withdrawal of French personnel from its N’Djamena base by December 31, despite plans to begin a gradual repatriation of troops starting next week. This marks a significant blow to France’s influence in the Sahel, as Chad was its last stronghold in the region.
The rapid change in circumstances comes after a deadly Boko Haram attack in October that killed 40 Chadian soldiers. The Chadian government accused France of failing to provide necessary assistance following the attack, leading to a breakdown in relations. The French army’s departure follows public demonstrations demanding that France end its military presence in the country.
As a result, France began sending the first batch of 120 soldiers back on Friday, with more expected to follow in the coming weeks. This sudden withdrawal raises questions about Chad’s future alliances and the broader impact on security in the Sahel.