The central-african nation of Chad has cut its defense agreement with France showing a big shift in regional power balance. President Mahamat Debyʼs government wants to be more independent after working with France since the 60s: the foreign ministry says its time to make new partnerships
The move hits France hard as it lost military presence in several african countries lately. Mali Burkina Faso and Niger kicked out french soldiers in past couple years (while getting closer to Russia whose mercenaries are now active across the Sahel region)
French forces – about 1‚000 troops with air-power support – will need to leave following proper procedures; Chad says itʼll work on a smooth transition. The country already made US special-ops leave earlier this year but talks about their return started in fall
The shake-up doesnt stop there: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal – where 350 french troops are based – thinks its not right for foreign forces to stay in his country. More african nations look east for new friends; Russia keeps getting stronger in the area while Franceʼs old colonial influence gets weaker