End of French Military Presence: Chad Takes Control of Last Base

The French army has turned over its final military post in Chad, the Kossei camp in N’Djamena two months after the country ended its defence pact with Paris. The chief of the French Armed Forces’ Africa Command claimed that France had a handover decision even though Chad had proclaimed the end of the defence pact.

A new phase has begun with today’s handover of the (Adji) Kossei base. It is a component of France’s intention to close its long-term military installations in Central and West Africa. In order to adjust to both the global and African evolutions, this structural shift is required.

It follows France’s transfer of its two other military installations in the nation. The chief of staff of the Chadian army has celebrated the termination of defence cooperation with Paris.

France had about 1,000 personnel in Chad prior to the agreement’s expiration. French military have also been driven out of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso after fighting alongside local troops against Islamic extremists.