France handed over its second military base in Chad on Saturday, marking a significant step in its withdrawal of forces from the country.
This move follows an agreement between Chad and France to end military cooperation, with the French military set to fully withdraw by January 31st.
The handover of the Abeche base comes after the departure of a contingent of 120 soldiers and the transfer of the Faya base earlier in December.
French military presence in Chad has been a long-standing feature, dating back to the country’s independence.
However, recent political shifts in the region, including the withdrawal of French forces from neighboring countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, have necessitated a re-evaluation of France’s military presence in Chad.
While the withdrawal marks the end of an era in Franco-Chadian relations, both countries have emphasized their commitment to maintaining friendly ties and exploring future avenues for cooperation.
This development has significant implications for regional security dynamics, particularly given the growing influence of Russia in the Sahel region.