French troops have officially withdrawn from Chad, marking the end of a military presence that spanned nearly seven decades.
A ceremony in N’Djamena on Friday saw the French flag lowered for the final time at the Adji Kossei Military Base. Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno declared the withdrawal a historic moment, symbolizing full sovereignty over the nation’s military affairs.
“The departure of French forces is a turning point for Chad,” Deby said, addressing government officials, military leaders, and foreign diplomats.
The withdrawal follows Chad’s announcement in November to end its military cooperation with France. The move aligns with a broader trend in West Africa, where France has been ordered to leave Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali amid shifts in regional alliances.
As French forces exit, Chad and other African nations are looking elsewhere for military partnerships. In recent months, Chad has explored closer ties with Russia, following similar moves by Mali and Burkina Faso.
The departure of the final French troops from N’Djamena comes as France reassesses its role in Africa, facing growing resistance from former allies.
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