DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Chad’s authorities mentioned it’s ending a protection cooperation settlement with France, its former colonial ruler, to redefine the nation’s sovereignty.
The choice marks a historic turning level for the reason that Central African nation gained independence greater than six many years in the past, Overseas Ministry spokesperson Abderaman Koulamallah mentioned in a press release Thursday.
It mentioned the choice to finish the settlement would enable Chad to redefine its strategic partnerships consistent with nationwide priorities.
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There was no speedy response from France’s authorities.
Chad was one of many final international locations within the area by which France maintained a big army presence, having been ousted lately from Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso after years of combating Islamic extremists alongside regional troops. These international locations have inched nearer to Russia, which has mercenaries deployed throughout the Sahel, the huge expanse beneath the Sahara desert.
Chad’s interim president, Mahamat Deby Itno, seized energy after his father, who ran the nation for greater than three many years, was killed combating rebels in 2021. Final yr, the federal government introduced it was extending the 18-month transition for 2 extra years, which led to protests throughout the nation.
Analysts say Deby has mistrusted France for some time, and the choice creates a chance for different nations, notably Russia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.
“Deby has been looking for to diversify its safety partnerships away from unique offers. He doesn’t belief (French President Emmanuel) Macron. … He can even not ignore widespread anti-French sentiment,” mentioned Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at Konrad Adenauer basis in Mali.
France has maintained about 1,000 troops in Chad, and the assertion did not specify once they needed to depart.
Chad mentioned the choice on no account calls into query the international locations’ historic ties and that it desires to take care of relations in different areas of frequent curiosity.
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This story corrects that France has had 1,000 troops in Chad, not within the area.
