Chad has officially taken control of a French military base in Faya, mere weeks after N’Djamena terminated its defense cooperation agreement with Paris. Local sources confirm that French troops stationed there departed for the Chadian capital—some 780 kilometers southwest—and are expected to return to France in the coming weeks. According to a French military official, the base transfer proceeded according to a timetable that both parties agreed upon.
Before the defense accord ended, France maintained approximately 1,000 troops in Chad, offering intelligence and logistical support to the Chadian army. Government leaders in N’Djamena have portrayed the termination of the agreement as a declaration of Chad’s “full sovereignty,” suggesting the country’s military is now prepared to assume greater responsibility for its national security.
The formal handover occurs just days before Chad’s legislative, provincial, and local elections, fueling speculation about the implications for regional stability. Authorities in N’Djamena say they will keep citizens informed regarding future base transfers, hinting that further closures or handovers may be on the horizon.
Chad and France have historically maintained close military ties, with the French presence used to combat insurgencies and enhance regional counterterrorism measures. However, the abrupt policy shift reflects broader realignments in parts of Africa, where several nations have reassessed long-standing agreements with former colonial powers. While Chadian officials emphasize sovereignty, analysts suggest that the ultimate impact on regional security and governance will become clearer in the months following the drawdown of French military personnel.