Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby has ordered the withdrawal of French troops, citing that the decades-long defense pact no longer addresses Chad’s escalating security concerns, including terrorism. This decision, originally announced during his inauguration in May, reflects Deby’s pledge to prioritize sovereignty and end ties with nations acting as colonial powers. The move resonates with the widespread anti-French sentiment, as civil society and opposition groups criticize France’s perceived ineffectiveness, including its failure to assist Chad during a recent Boko Haram attack that killed 40 Chadian soldiers. However, the decision has sparked debate, with groups like the Concertation Group of Chad’s Political Actors (GCAP) warning that Chad’s military is ill-equipped to face security challenges without external support. France, acknowledging Chad’s decision, has not provided further comments. This development underscores growing resistance to French military influence across Africa, seen recently in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Senegal.
SOURCE: VOA NEWS
