Chad Marks Historic End to French Military Presence with Solemn Ceremony
On January 31, 2025, Chad’s President, Marshal Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, presided over a historic ceremony at the adji kossei Air base in N’Djamena, marking the definitive withdrawal of French military forces from the country. The event, attended by prominent political adn military figures, symbolized the end of a decades-long military cooperation agreement between Chad and France.
The ceremony began with France formally handing over its last military base to the Chadian army, followed by an official disengagement event the next day. President Déby Itno emphasized that this move was not a severance of diplomatic ties but a strategic decision to reclaim national sovereignty. “we are not breaking with France but in contrast, we end up military cooperation with France,” he stated, clarifying the nature of the transition.In a powerful speech, President Déby Itno underscored the importance of sovereignty and civic responsibility. “Sovereignty is also the ability to adapt, to evolve, without ever losing sight of who we are. It is based on each of us. It feeds on our civic commitment, our willingness to participate in democratic life, defend our rights, and assume our responsibilities,” he declared. His words resonated deeply with attendees,including opposition leader Dr. Success Masra, who praised the president’s message. “He pronounced the most lovely sentence in the world: your freedom will be born from your courage. We are here as Chad is bigger than us,” Masra remarked,quoting Chad’s national anthem.
The decision to terminate the defence cooperation agreement was first announced in a government press release on November 28, 2024. This move reflects Chad’s broader strategy to assert its independence and chart a new course in its national defense policy.
The ceremony also highlighted the role of Chad’s youth in shaping the country’s future. “Young people, it is now or never. Our generation must rise for the fatherland! We have to go together, build together, speak the language of harmonious refoundation and progress,” President Déby Itno urged, rallying the nation toward unity and progress.
Below is a summary of key points from the event:
| key Event Details | Description |
|————————————-|———————————————————————————|
| Date | January 31, 2025 |
| Location | Adji Kossei air Base, N’Djamena |
| Main Participants | President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, political and military figures, Dr. Success Masra |
| Key Proclamation | End of military cooperation agreement with France |
| President’s Message | Emphasis on sovereignty,civic responsibility,and national unity |
| Opposition Leader’s remarks | Praise for the president’s speech and call for courage |
This historic moment marks a new chapter for Chad,as the nation steps forward with a renewed sense of independence and determination. The departure of French forces signifies not just a military shift but a broader commitment to self-reliance and democratic engagement.
For more insights into Chad’s evolving relationship with France,explore the full details of the ceremony and its implications.
Chad’s New Dawn: Sovereignty, Civic Duty, and National Unity After French Military withdrawal
Table of Contents
On January 31, 2025, Chad marked a historic moment as President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno presided over a solemn ceremony at the Adji Kossei Air Base in N’Djamena, signaling the definitive withdrawal of French military forces. This event not only signifies a shift in Chad’s military strategy but also underscores its commitment to sovereignty, civic responsibility, and national unity. To delve deeper into the implications of this transition, we sat down with dr. Amina Souleyman, a renowned expert on African geopolitics and military history.
The Meaning of the Ceremony
Senior Editor: Dr. Souleyman, thank you for joining us. Could you start by explaining the broader significance of the ceremony marking the French military withdrawal?
Dr. Amina Souleyman: Certainly. The ceremony was a symbolic and strategic milestone for chad.It represented the end of a decades-long military cooperation agreement with France, which had been a cornerstone of Chad’s defense policy. This withdrawal is not just a logistical change but a profound statement of Chad’s desire to reclaim its sovereignty and chart an independent path in national defense.It also reflects the country’s broader commitment to self-reliance and democratic engagement.
President Déby Itno’s Vision for sovereignty
Senior Editor: President Déby Itno emphasized sovereignty and civic responsibility in his speech. How do you interpret his message in the context of Chad’s current political climate?
Dr. amina Souleyman: president Déby Itno’s message was both poignant and strategic. By highlighting sovereignty, he was reinforcing the idea that Chad must take full control of its destiny, free from external dependencies. His emphasis on civic responsibility underscores the need for every citizen to actively participate in the country’s democratic processes. This dual focus is crucial at a time when Chad is navigating meaningful political transitions and striving to build a more inclusive and self-sustaining nation.
Dr.Success Masra’s Response and the Role of the Opposition
Senior Editor: Opposition leader Dr. Success Masra praised the president’s speech and called for courage. What does this tell us about the current political dynamics in Chad?
Dr. Amina Souleyman: Dr. Masra’s remarks are significant because they indicate a unifying moment in Chad’s often polarized political landscape. By supporting the president’s message, he is sending a signal that the opposition is aligned with the broader national interest of sovereignty and self-determination. This is a positive sign for Chad’s democratic health, as it suggests that despite political differences, there is a shared commitment to the nation’s progress and unity.
Chad’s Youth and the Future of the Nation
Senior Editor: President Déby Itno also spoke directly to Chad’s youth, urging them to rise for the fatherland. how do you see the role of young people in shaping Chad’s future?
Dr. Amina Souleyman: The president’s call to the youth is both timely and essential. Chad has a remarkably young population, and their energy, creativity, and commitment are vital for the country’s future.by encouraging them to take an active role in building the nation, President Déby Itno is fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among the younger generation. This is critical for ensuring that Chad’s independence is not just a political achievement but a lived reality for all its citizens.
Implications for Chad-France Relations
Senior Editor: President Déby Itno clarified that this move is not a severance of diplomatic ties with France.What do you think this means for the future of Chad-France relations?
Dr. amina Souleyman: While the military cooperation agreement has ended, it’s important to note that Chad and France still share deep historical and diplomatic ties. This transition allows Chad to redefine its relationship with France on more equal footing.Moving forward, we can expect a shift towards partnership rather than dependency, with a focus on areas like economic collaboration, cultural exchange, and mutual support in international forums. This evolution is a healthy step for both nations.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Chad
Senior Editor: As we wrap up, what would you say are the key takeaways from this historic event?
Dr. Amina Souleyman: The ceremony marks a turning point for Chad, as it asserts its independence and takes control of its national defense. It’s a moment of both challenges and opportunities—Chad must now build the capacity to manage its security independently while fostering civic engagement and national unity. The president’s emphasis on sovereignty, coupled with the opposition’s supportive stance, is a positive sign for the country’s democratic future. Ultimately, this event is a call to action for all Chadians to work together towards a prosperous and self-reliant nation.
