On November 28, 2024, a major shift took place in Africa. Chad, a country in Central Africa, decided to end its military defense agreement with France. The announcement came from Chadian Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah, who shared the news on Facebook. The agreement, signed in 2019, was meant to strengthen the security relationship between the two countries. But now, Chad is saying goodbye to France, marking a historic moment for the nation and for Africa as a whole.
This break is not just about one agreement; it’s part of a bigger story. Many African countries are tired of the influence former colonial powers like France still have over their decisions. Chad’s decision is a loud statement about wanting to be free from this influence and to move forward as an independent, sovereign nation.
For years, France has maintained its presence in many African countries under the idea of offering protection and support. However, many African nations, including Chad, are no longer willing to accept this kind of relationship. They feel that France, under the leadership of President Emmanuel Macron, has acted more like a predator than a partner, using its military presence to serve its own interests rather than helping African nations truly develop.
Earlier in 2024, protests against the French military presence in Chad made it clear that many people were fed up with France’s involvement in their affairs. Chad, along with other countries like Mali and Burkina Faso, has kicked out French troops in recent years. Even Senegal, a country once considered a close French ally, is now calling for the removal of French military bases.
Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno explained that the defense agreement no longer made sense. It was outdated and didn’t meet Chad’s needs. He said it didn’t align with the current security and political situation and didn’t reflect the country’s desire for full sovereignty.
This decision is a sign that Chad, like other nations in Africa, is tired of foreign interference. The country wants to choose its own path, and that path doesn’t include France. The Chadian government is now looking to build relationships based on equality and mutual respect, rather than relying on a former colonizer.
France has long been seen as an imperial power in Africa, having used military force and political influence to control many of its former colonies. But now, countries like Chad are pushing back, refusing to continue living under the shadow of this colonial past. The desire for independence is stronger than ever, and the end of the military agreement is a powerful symbol of this new mindset.
Chad’s decision also highlights a deeper issue – the failure of French diplomacy in Africa. Macron’s promises to renew relations with African countries have fallen flat, and his policies have done little to improve ties. Instead, they’ve pushed more countries away, contributing to the rise of anti-French sentiment across the continent.
This growing resistance to French influence is reshaping the political landscape in Africa. As countries like Chad assert their sovereignty, France’s influence continues to wane. The French government, for its part, seems slow to understand that the time for old-fashioned power plays is over. The African nations that once relied on France are now looking for new partnerships – partnerships that respect their independence.
In conclusion, Chad’s decision to break away from France is more than just a political move. It’s a powerful symbol of Africa’s ongoing journey towards true independence. As Chad and other countries move forward, they are rejecting the chains of colonialism and embracing a future where they make their own choices. For France, the consequences of this shift could be far-reaching, and it may have to face the reality that its days of controlling Africa are coming to an end.
