French Military Base in Chad Officially Handed Over to N’Djamena Following End of Defense Agreement

The French military base in Chad is formally handed over to the Chadian government after the termination of the defense agreement between France and Chad.

Less than a month after N’Djamena terminated its defense cooperation agreement with Paris, control of a French army base has been transferred to the Chadian military.

According to a local source, French troops departed from the base in Faya and made their way toward the capital, located approximately 780 km to the southwest. In the coming weeks, they will return to France.

A French military official indicated that the transfer adhered to the timeline agreed upon with N’Djamena. Chadian officials also mentioned they would continue to inform the public about future base handovers.

Prior to the conclusion of the defense agreement, France maintained approximately 1,000 troops in the Central African nation. These forces provided intelligence and logistical support to the Chadian army.

Chad’s Foreign Minister explained the rationale for ending the pact by stating that it was time for his country to “assert its full sovereignty.”

The transfer of the base occurs just days before the country’s legislative, provincial, and local elections.