France Hands Over Last Army Base in Chad

France has officially handed over its final military base in Chad, marking the end of its long-standing presence in the country. 

Two months following Chad’s termination of its defense agreement with Paris, the French military has transferred control of its final base in the country, the Kossei base located in N’Djamena.

Even though Chad was the one to announce the termination of the defense pact, the head of Africa Command for France’s Armed Forces indicated that the decision to hand over responsibilities was partly influenced by France.

Pascal Ianni, who leads the French Armed Forces’ Africa Command, stated that transferring the Adji Kossei base signifies a new phase. This move aligns with France’s decision to close its permanent military bases in Central and West Africa.

He emphasized the need for this structural change to keep pace with global and African developments, reaffirming our partnerships in a vibrant Africa where the youth hold much promise. “We must take a different approach,” he added.

This follows France’s transfer of its two remaining military bases in the country. The Chadian army’s chief of staff has praised the termination of defense relations with Paris.

Abakar Abdelkerim Daoud, Chief of Staff of the Chadian Army, expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for providing them with an opportunity to fulfill this vision. He declared that the French army’s mission is concluding and affirmed that the Chadian army is ready to assume their responsibilities in Chad.

Before the agreement concluded, France had approximately 1,000 personnel in Chad.

After fighting Islamic extremists alongside regional troops, French forces have also been expelled from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.