France began withdrawing its military forces from Chad, with two Mirage 2000-D fighter jets departing from N’Djamena on Tuesday, marking the start of the pullout after Chad ended its defense cooperation agreement with France.
The Chadian military bid farewell to the jets as they returned to France. Ongoing negotiations are in place to determine the withdrawal of France’s 1,000-strong military presence in Chad.
The Chadian government described the end of the agreement as a historic shift, allowing the country to redefine its strategic partnerships.
This move follows similar exits of French forces from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, as those nations have moved closer to Russia.
Despite the withdrawal, Chad expressed a desire to maintain historical ties with France in other areas.
Recently, protests in Chad called for the complete removal of French troops, with demonstrators chanting “Chad for us, France out!”
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/DW Africa
