France begins military withdrawal from Chad

France has started pulling its military forces out of Chad, with the departure of two warplanes from the capital, N'Djamena. While the full scope of the withdrawal is still being negotiated, this move follows France's reduction of forces in other West African countries.

France has initiated the withdrawal of its military forces from Chad, marking a significant shift in its military presence in Africa. The French army announced the departure of two Mirage fighter jets from N'Djamena, the capital, as part of the ongoing pullout. The specifics of the withdrawal, including whether any French troops will remain in Chad, are still under negotiation.

The first batch of Mirage jets returned to their base in eastern France on Tuesday, signaling the beginning of the troop reduction. This follows a series of similar withdrawals from neighboring countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where military coups and growing anti-French sentiment led to the reevaluation of France’s military presence.

Currently, about 1,000 French troops remain stationed in Chad. Army spokesman Chanane Issakha Acheikh confirmed the departure of the warplanes and stated that updates on the full withdrawal would be provided to the public as the process continues.

Additionally, a French envoy recently presented a report to President Emmanuel Macron, suggesting ways to scale back France’s military presence in Chad, Gabon, and Ivory Coast, further indicating a shift in France’s strategy across the region.

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