Chad has said it is ending its defence cooperation agreement with former colonial power France, a move that will require French soldiers to leave the Central African country.
Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah called France “an essential partner” but said it “must now also consider that Chad has grown up, matured and is a sovereign state that is very jealous of its sovereignty”.
The announcement was made on Thursday, hours after a visit by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.
Chad has cooperated closely with Western nations’ military forces in the past but has moved closer to Russia in recent years.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision to terminate the deal, which was revised in 2019, would enable the country to redefine its strategic partnerships.
France currently has about 1,000 soldiers as well as warplanes stationed in Chad, which is the last Sahel country to host French troops.
