On November 28, a significant development occurred in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, as the country announced its decision to terminate its military defense agreement with France. This announcement was made by Chadian Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah through an official statement on the ministry’s Facebook page.

“The government of the Republic of Chad informs the national and international community of its decision to end the accord in the field of defense signed with the French Republic on September 5, 2019, which was intended to enhance security and defense collaboration between the two nations,” the statement read.

This decision represents a pivotal moment not only for Chad but also for the broader African continent, which appears to be firmly pursuing a path toward complete decolonization. Under President Emmanuel Macron, France, once viewed as a colonial authority, has now been relegated to the status of a former colonizer, with its outdated methods and presence increasingly rejected.

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After 66 years of illusory independence, Chad has chosen to no longer exist under the influence of a former colonial power that has acted more like a predator than a genuine partner. The termination of this defense agreement transcends mere diplomacy; it symbolizes the anguish of a nation fatigued by years of external interference.

The protests in May against the French military presence in Chad highlighted a deep-seated frustration with France, which, while claiming to offer protection and cooperation, has consistently prioritized its own interests and neocolonial objectives.

Since taking office in 2017, President Macron has vowed to revitalize Franco-African relations, yet he now confronts a diplomatic crisis. His strategies have not only failed to introduce positive change but have also accelerated the decolonization process in African nations. The Françafrique system, characterized by its opaque neocolonial practices, is increasingly being rejected by the African populace.

Chad joins a growing list of African nations that are severing military ties with France amid rising anti-French sentiment in former colonies. Countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have expelled French forces due to their inability to address the jihadist threat in the Sahel region. Additionally, Senegal’s government is pursuing the closure of all French military bases, with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye asserting in an interview with Le Monde that “there will soon be no more French troops in Senegal.”

Chad’s president, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, remarked to reporters that the military agreement had become “completely obsolete,” stating that it no longer aligned with the current security, geopolitical, and strategic realities, nor with the legitimate expectations for the full expression of Chad’s sovereignty.

Chad, similar to other nations in West Africa and the Sahel region, is increasingly unwilling to be subjected to French ambitions, which appear more aligned with an occupation mindset than a true partnership or military collaboration. The strained relations between President Macron and the Chadian leader highlight the shortcomings of a disjointed and neocolonial foreign policy.

Since the era of colonization, France has imposed its strategic imperialist agenda on Chad, but it now encounters significant resistance.

The appointment of Eric Gérard as the new French ambassador in July 2023, a former head of the elite counter-terrorism unit GIGN, has intensified tensions between the Chadian government and France. His controversial reputation suggests a disconnect from the political and social realities of Chad. Gérard faced criticism in Algeria for his restrictive visa policies during his tenure as consul general, and similarly in the Central African Republic during his ambassadorship.

The uprising against a degrading colonial history

Chad is leading the way in Central Africa towards liberation, a movement that resonates across the African continent. By terminating these defense agreements, the nation is not only asserting its autonomy but also condemning the burdensome legacy of a slave-holding and colonizing France. This historical context, still fresh in collective memory, influences not only political choices but also the dynamics between Chad and Paris. The recollection of the pain caused by generations of colonial rule remains strong, and the people of Chad are determined to shape their future independently of those who once oppressed them.

The aspiration for a sovereign Chad, capable of selecting its allies, is now becoming a reality. Recent partnerships with nations like Russia signify Chad’s desire to forge relationships grounded in mutual respect and equality, rather than exploitation and self-serving interests. This shift in approach is commendable and may inspire other African countries to adopt a similar courageous stance.

The termination of the agreement with Chad represents a significant embarrassment for France. It underscores the inadequacy of a foreign policy that has become stagnant, relying on outdated practices. The facade of “cooperation” is now eclipsed by the ambition of African nations to liberate themselves from the remnants of neocolonialism. France, which has historically viewed Africa as its own domain, must acknowledge that the time for military interventions and imposed agreements has come to an end.

France must take a moment for introspection. By disregarding the aspirations of African nations, it risks diminishing its influence in a region where its authority is already waning.

Chad’s choice to terminate its defense agreements with France signifies much more than a simple gesture. It reflects the determination of a populace striving to achieve true sovereignty and to forge a future untainted by the detrimental effects of a former colonial power that has inflicted considerable damage. This pivotal moment should serve as a rallying cry for all African countries to assert their right to self-determination, reject paternalism, and define their own destinies.

The upcoming months will be critical for both Chad and the broader African continent. While the obstacles are significant, the potential for a new paradigm rooted in mutual respect and equality could herald the dawn of a transformative era. France must brace itself for the repercussions of its historical and current actions, as Africa stands poised to liberate itself from the burdens of its colonial past.