France has officially ended its 60-year military presence in Chad by closing its last military base in the country. The Kosseï camp, located in N’Djamena, was the final French base in the Sahel. This base, like others before it, was a remnant of France’s colonial dominance in the region.
On Friday, the last 1,000 French soldiers departed from Chad, marking the end of a long-standing military partnership. This withdrawal represents a significant loss of influence for Paris and its European allies in the Sahel region.
Growing Anti-French Sentiment Leads to Military Departures
Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby decided in November 2023 to end defence cooperation agreements with France. His decision followed a wave of anti-French sentiment across the region.
This move aligns with a regional trend. Since 2022, France has withdrawn its troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These withdrawals could continue, as Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire recently requested the departure of French forces from their territories.
According to Euronews journalist Jeremiah Fisayo Bambi, African nations are now seeking new alliances and aiming to shape their own future. They prioritize sovereignty, making independent decisions on defence and foreign relations.
While military juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger cut ties with France, Chad’s government maintains a more measured approach. Officials in N’Djamena describe the withdrawal as a matter of “sovereignty”, without suggesting a complete diplomatic break. The governments of Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire share this stance.
According to Nina Wilén, director of the Africa Programme at the Egmont Institute, these actions send a clear message that nations in the region no longer welcome French troops.
Impact on France and the European Union
The departure from Chad not only affects France but also reduces the European Union’s influence in West Africa. The EU relied heavily on French military efforts to counter terrorism in the Sahel.
For the past decade, European leaders have depended on France to handle security challenges in West Africa. France led anti-terror operations while other European nations avoided sending their own troops.
However, according to Nina Wilén, Europe also shares responsibility for this situation. France’s approach to African nations and its relations with local governments created tensions. Additionally, Europe’s reluctance to invest strategically in the region contributed to the current political and power shift.
As French forces withdraw, new international players seek to expand their influence. Russia is closely watched, particularly due to the Wagner Group, now rebranded as Africa Corps. This paramilitary force has around 5,000 fighters deployed across Africa, positioning itself as a key military partner in the region.
