French military starts quick exit from Chad after surprise defense pact end
French forces begin leaving Chad after unexpected end of defense agreement two weeks ago. First warplanes already left NʼDjamena base marking start of full military withdrawal from Sahel region
The french military started its quick-paced departure from Chad as two mirage warplanes flew back to eastern France from NʼDjamena base. Army spokesperson Colonel Guillaume Vernet confirmed this move marks beginning of equipment pull-out
The withdrawal comes after Chads government made an un-expected decision to stop its defense agreement with France about two weeks ago. Both countries still need to work-out withdrawal terms and decide if any french troops will stay in the central-african nation
French forces (about 1000 soldiers) are getting ready for a full pull-out which needs several weeks to plan. This exit follows similar moves in other african countries where France had military presence:
- Mali
- Burkina Faso
- Niger
This step-by-step departure means end of decades-long French military operations in Sahel region; where they worked with local forces against militant groups. The withdrawal timeline isnt set yet but both sides need to agree on final details
It marks the beginning of the return of French equipment stationed in NʼDjamena
The decision caught Paris off-guard even though President Emmanuel Macronʼs envoy had already made plans about reducing military presence in Chad Gabon and Ivory Coast
