On Thursday January 30, Chad officially took control of France’s final military base in the country, marking the culmination of a process that began two months ago, when the central African nation ended its defence cooperation agreement with Paris.
This handover of the Sergent Adji Kossei air base, located in the capital N’Djamena, follows the earlier transfers of two other bases in Faya and Abeche, which occurred in December 2024 and January 2025. France had maintained a substantial military presence in Chad, with approximately 1,000 troops stationed there, primarily focused on counterterrorism efforts in the region.
Chad has long been a vital ally in countering terrorism in the Sahel, particularly in the fight against Islamic extremists. However, over the past few years, France has seen its military presence gradually diminished in the region. Countries like Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, which had once cooperated closely with French forces, have increasingly moved away from France, turning towards Russia for support. The presence of Russian mercenaries across the Sahel has further complicated the situation, as these nations pivot towards Moscow for security assistance.
The Chadian government has framed the end of the defense cooperation agreement with France as a historic moment, a chance to reassert the country’s sovereignty and redefine its international relationships. While the termination of military ties has sparked concerns about the future of relations, Chadian officials have been clear that the decision does not sever the longstanding diplomatic and historical ties with France. Rather, it is seen as a way for Chad to recalibrate its strategic priorities in alignment with its national interests, while still maintaining cooperation in other areas of mutual concern.