2024-12-06 15:19:00
A few hundred demonstrators, mostly very young, gathered on Friday 6 December in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, to express their support for the end of the military agreements with France announced on 28 November by the Chadian government.
A crowd of around 300-500 peopel, including many minors, gathered around the N’Djari stadium with posters proclaiming, in French or Arabic: “Chad hurray, France slash [dehors] » and flags in the country’s colors, Agence France-Presse (AFP) noted.
“After sixty years of cooperation, we don’t need French soldiers, we have an army, we can defend our country”Abdel daim Abdallah Ousmane, secretary general of the Higher Council of Islamic Affairs, who was present at the demonstration, told AFP. “Our demonstration is peaceful, we are not enemies of France and France is not enemies of Chad”he added.
“Historical mission”
However, the authorities authorized the gathering inside the stadium “formally bans any demonstration on public roads”according to an official decree, which did not prevent small groups from gathering on the streets of the capital on Friday morning. The demonstration dispersed without incident.
On Thursday, a first demonstration with the same slogans brought together a few hundred people in Abéché, a commercial city in the east of the country. This was it “organized by the mayor” et “encouraged by the governor” regional, according to public television Tchadinfos.
This is a first for the Sahel country, France’s traditional ally and the last state in the region to welcome its soldiers within the framework of the security and defense agreements inherited from the colonial era. «Crucial stages» being broken, the special commission created on Wednesday 4 December for the implementation of the denunciation of these
the decision to break, announced a few hours after the visit of the head of french diplomacy Jean-Noël Barrot, took Paris by surprise, which simply took it “act”claiming that reflection was already underway on overhauling its military system in Africa.
“How can we re-engage in cooperation with these states? »
After the forced withdrawal of French troops from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, Chad’s surprise announcement coincided with the desire to close French bases in Senegal, announced by the new president Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
The question now is knowing “How could we re-engage in cooperation with these states? »said Quai d’Orsay spokesman Christophe Lemoine on Thursday during his weekly press conference in Paris, specifying that “discussions are ongoing”.
Chad is in a situation of political transition following the coup that brought General Mahamat Idriss Déby to power in 2020, before his legitimacy in May’s disputed presidential elections.
The country is currently suffering attacks from the jihadist group Boko Haram in the northwest, welcoming an influx of refugees from neighboring Sudan and trying to recover from the damage of an unprecedented rainy season that has displaced more than 2 million people.
What are the ancient military ties between Chad and France, and how have thay affected Chad’s advancement?
Time.news Interview: Editor and Chad Expert
Editor: Thank you for joining us today. Given the recent developments in Chad, where demonstrators expressed support for the breaking of military agreements with France, can you provide some context around this situation?
Expert: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The decision by the Chadian government to end military agreements with France marks a important shift in the country’s foreign relations. Historically, France has maintained a military presence in Chad under various agreements as the country’s independence in 1960. This recent demonstration reflects a growing sentiment among many Chadians, particularly the youth, who feel that these agreements are no longer beneficial.
Editor: The protests on December 6th saw hundreds of young people rallying in N’Djamena, waving flags and holding signs. What do you think is driving this kind of activism among the youth in Chad?
Expert: The youth in Chad are increasingly vocal about their aspirations for a more independent and self-sufficient nation. Many of them believe that the longstanding military ties with France have not led to tangible improvements in security or development. Instead, they recognize the need to establish their own national defense capabilities. The presence of minors among the demonstrators highlights the younger generation’s frustration and desire for change.
Editor: fascinating. The slogans chanted during the protests, such as “Chad hurray, France slash [dehors],” indicate a strong emotional response. How does this attitude align with global geopolitical trends, particularly in Africa?
Expert: This attitude resonates with a broader wave of anti-colonial sentiment across the African continent. many African countries are reevaluating their post-colonial ties with former colonial powers, especially as they strive for autonomy. Chad’s desire to break away from reliance on France mirrors similar movements in nations like Mali and Burkina Faso, highlighting a shift towards a more assertive stance regarding sovereignty and self-governance.
Editor: On November 28, the Chadian government announced the end of these military agreements. What implications could this have for security in the region?
Expert: The implications could be significant. On one hand, shedding these agreements might empower Chad to build its own military capabilities and foster greater national pride. Conversely, there are concerns about immediate security vulnerabilities, especially given the escalating threats from extremist groups in the Sahel region. the government will need to balance these challenges carefully to ensure stability and safety for its citizens.
Editor: If the situation continues to evolve in this direction, what can we expect from France’s response?
Expert: France is likely to approach this development with caution. Historically, Paris has maintained strong ties with its former colonies, frequently enough reasserting its influence where necessary. However, an overtly aggressive response could further alienate Chadians and amplify nationalist sentiments. Diplomacy will be essential in managing this transition, as France looks to maintain some level of influence while respecting Chad’s desire for autonomy.
Editor: Thank you for your insights. Before we wrap up, what do you think the next steps are for Chad moving forward?
Expert: Moving forward, Chad needs to focus on nation-building and strengthening its internal security forces. Engagement with other regional powers and international partners—while clearly defining its own needs and boundaries—will be crucial. They must also prioritize addressing economic challenges and the needs of the youth to ensure a stable and prosperous future.
editor: Thank you for your time today and for shedding light on this complex and evolving issue in Chad. We appreciate your insights.
Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s a critical moment for Chad and for Africa as a whole.