Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno has confirmed the complete withdrawal of French military forces from the country by January 31, 2025. This marks a decisive shift in Chad’s defense strategy and its evolving relationship with France.
In a televised address on Tuesday, Deby outlined that the first wave of French troops had already left, with subsequent withdrawals scheduled to ensure the full departure of foreign forces by the end of January 2025. “The departure of French forces is in line with the shared aspirations of the Chadian people for greater sovereignty and self-determination,” Deby said.
The president highlighted the long-standing sacrifices made in the pursuit of independence and sovereignty, stressing that this transition is essential for securing the future of Chad. “We owe these sacrifices to future generations, just as our ancestors did, to leave us a strong and independent nation,” he added.
This announcement follows Chad’s decision in November to end its security and defense cooperation agreement with France. The process of withdrawal began on December 10 with the departure of part of the French contingent. This move signals a shift in regional security dynamics and Chad’s push for greater control over its own national affairs.