Chad: Chad's Quiet Return to French Military Support

Chad's recent decision to resume military cooperation with France marks a significant shift from its previous emphasis on national sovereignty. The resumption of ties comes after a brief interruption in November 2024, when Chad sought to assert its independence and forge new security partnerships with other nations in the Sahel region.

The two countries have a long history of military cooperation, dating back to the mid-1960s, following Chad's independence from France. The renewed partnership is driven by shared interests, such as the presence of French military assets in Central Africa and the Sahel, which offer France strategic advantages in military projection and regional influence.

However, the cooperation has not been without its challenges. Past disagreements, such as France's unilateral actions in securing the release of a French citizen kidnapped by rebels and unauthorized overflights of Chadian territory, contributed to the breakdown of relations in 1975 and 2024. The broader context of regional security dynamics, including the shifting alliances of neighboring Sahel states towards Russia, has also influenced Chad's decision to re-engage with France.

For France, the rapprochement presents an opportunity to re-establish its presence in the region, although the approach will likely be more cautious, with a reduced military footprint of around 600 troops compared to the previous 2,300. This lighter presence could potentially lead to renewed dependence on France's military support, raising concerns about domestic public opinion and the country's sovereignty claims.