Hundreds of Chadians took to the streets of N’Djamena on Friday, demanding the withdrawal of French troops following the government’s decision to terminate a defense cooperation agreement with France.
Protesters chanted slogans such as “Chad for us, France out” and held banners declaring, “We don’t want to see a single Frenchman in Chad.” Demonstrations occurred near a military airbase housing French soldiers and outside the French embassy, where security forces maintained a strong presence.
The demonstrations come a week after Chad announced plans to redefine its strategic partnerships in line with national priorities, signaling the end of its military pact with France. Although France currently has around 1,000 troops stationed in Chad, no timeline for their withdrawal has been specified.
Dr. Hissein Massar, a former public health minister, voiced protesters’ sentiments, stating, “We no longer want the French presence in Chad. This protest will end when the French leave.”
Chad has been one of France’s last strongholds in the Sahel, following the expulsion of French forces from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso amid growing anti-French sentiment. These countries have since strengthened ties with Russia, which has deployed mercenaries in the region.
Chad’s interim president, Mahamat Déby Itno, assumed power after the 2021 death of his father, who ruled for over three decades. Last year, the government extended its transitional period, sparking widespread protests.
While Chad emphasized its decision does not challenge historical ties with France, it expressed a desire to maintain cooperation in areas of mutual interest.