The decision by Chad to end its military co-operation deal with France in the coming weeks is a new blow to the EU’s hopes of rebuilding its influence in Africa’s Sahel region.  

In a statement on Thursday (28 November), Chad’s foreign ministry said the central African country wanted to fully assert its sovereignty and redefine its strategic partnerships. 

The ministry added that Chad would “respect the modalities of the termination including the necessary deadlines, and will collaborate with French authorities to ensure a harmonious transition” but did not give a deadline. 

France “must now also consider that Chad has grown up, matured and is a sovereign state that is very jealous of its sovereignty,” said Chadian foreign minister Abderaman Koulamallah. 

The announcement was made hours after France’s foreign minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, concluded a visit to Chad. 

The move is another major blow to France which had previously been actively courting president Mahamat Idriss Déby to set up bases in Chad and potentially increase its deployment of around 1,000 troops. 

In the meantime, Déby has also established closer ties to Russia, whose mercenary group Wagner has a major presence across the Sahel, and the United Arab Emirates. The United States, which was ordered to leave its own military base in Niger earlier this year, has also sought to build military links with Chad.