2024-11-29 08:14:00
The proclamation had the effect of a thunderclap in the night of N’Djamena. In a press release published on Thursday 28 November, a few hours after the conclusion of the visit to Chad by the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, the Chadian government declared “terminate the defense cooperation agreement signed with the French Republic”.
The announcement took all observers by surprise, while the minister and his entourage gave nothing away after the meeting with President Mahamat Idriss Déby. “france must now consider that Chad has grown and matured,that Chad is a sovereign state and very jealous of its sovereignty,” he simply indicated his Chadian counterpart,Abderaman Koulamallah,at the end of a joint statement essentially dedicated to the Sudanese civil war.
Registered by The world in the evening, the head of Chadian diplomacy assured that the meeting took place without incidents, that it was a decision “carefully considered” and that the choice of the date owes nothing to chance as November 28th marks the 66th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic in Chad.
Koulamallah did not specify whether it was a unilateral decision or taken in consultation with the French authorities – who had not yet reacted early Friday morning.The announcement comes in an increasingly uncertain context for the future of the French military presence in Africa. On the same day,the Senegalese president,Bassirou Diomaye Faye,said in an interview with Worldthat he “soon there will be no more French soldiers” in his contry. In recent years, the French army has been successively driven out of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger after a series of coups and the coming to power of hostile juntas in paris. Chad, however, distinguishes itself from these Sahel countries by ensuring this “This decision in no way calls into question the past relations and bonds of friendship between the two nations.” The Chadian statement leaves the door open to “constructive dialog to explore new forms of partnership”.
The last ally in the Sahel
The blow still remains hard for France, even though Chad was its last ally in the Sahel and the last bastion against the growing influence of Russia, which has deployed paramilitary forces in several border countries. after the shock caused by the visit of the Chadian president to moscow in January, where he was received by his counterpart Vladimir Putin, Emmanuel Macron tried to strengthen his relations with N’Djamena by sending his ”personal envoy” for the reconfiguration of power French military system on the continent, Jean-Marie Bockel. The latter then declared his opinion “admiration” for the Chadian transition, and assures regarding the French troops in Chad: “We must stay and, of course, we will stay.” On Monday, Bockel presented the president with his report calling for reducing the number of troops deployed on the continent, including in Chad.
What is the historical significance of Chad’s relationship with France in the context of Central African politics?
interview between Time.news Editor and Chad Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Amina Kone, an expert in Central African politics and a keen observer of Chad’s evolving political landscape. Amina, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Kone: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the dynamic situation in Chad.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The recent announcement from the Chadian government following the visit from French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot seemed to reverberate throughout the region. Can you provide some context on what this visit entailed and why it was notable?
Dr. Kone: Absolutely. The visit by Minister barrot was crucial as it reaffirmed France’s ongoing influence in the region and its support for President mahamat Idriss Déby. This visit comes in the wake of Chad’s complex political situation, especially given Déby’s efforts to stabilize his management after the tumultuous events following his father’s death. The timing of the announcement seems to signal an alignment between French interests and Chadian governance, notably regarding security and counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel.
Editor: you mentioned alignment. How does this relationship between Chad and France play into the larger geopolitical picture in West and Central Africa?
Dr. Kone: The relationship is deeply rooted in historical ties but has evolved in response to contemporary challenges. France has long viewed Chad as a critical ally against extremist groups in the Sahel region. This partnership raises questions about sovereignty and local governance, especially as many Chadians are concerned about their government’s reliance on French support. Moreover, a strong Chad means a more stable region, which serves both nations’ interests.
Editor: that brings us to the domestic implications. How has the Chadian populace reacted to the government’s increase in ties with France, particularly with the recent proclamations?
Dr. Kone: There’s a mixed response among the Chadian people. For many, there’s a sense of security associated with French support, particularly in combating militant threats. However, others are wary, viewing this alignment as a potential undermining of national sovereignty. Protests can be anticipated, especially from groups advocating for more democratic governance and less foreign interference. The historical context of colonialism in the region undoubtedly shapes these perspectives.
Editor: Speaking of governance,how do you assess President Déby’s leadership thus far,and what challenges does he face moving forward?
Dr. Kone: President Déby has shown a capacity for consolidating power in uncertain times, but his leadership style has been criticized for being autocratic. The main challenges he faces, apart from external pressures from France and jihadist groups, include the need for economic reform and addressing widespread poverty and youth unemployment. If he doesn’t deliver tangible improvements in living conditions,he risks losing support among a disenchanted populace.
editor: With all these dynamics at play, what are you keeping an eye on in Chad for the upcoming months?
Dr. Kone: I’ll be looking closely at the political landscape leading up to the presidential elections scheduled for next year. How the government navigates public dissent, foreign relations, and internal divisions will be crucial. Additionally,responses to any new security challenges arising from regional instability will also be significant. The next few months could determine whether Chad will continue on its current trajectory or shift towards a more inclusive and democratic governance.
Editor: Thank you for those insights, Amina. It sounds like Chad is at a critical juncture, and your expertise will be essential for understanding its future developments.
Dr. Kone: Thank you! It’s an honor to share my perspective, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this unfolds.
Editor: We appreciate your time today. That wraps up our interview; stay tuned for more updates on Chad’s political journey right here on Time.news.