The general staff of the Chadian armies announced this Tuesday, December 10 in an official press release at midday: France has decided to begin this withdrawal after the breakdown of cooperation, defense and security agreements announced by the Chadian government on November 28.
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With our correspondent N’Djamena, Nadia Ben Mahfoudh
Of the three mirages present in Chad, two left the Adji Kossei air base at 1:15 p.m. They were accompanied by an MRTT, a refueling plane. Direction: France.
This start of withdrawal is historic because Chad is an important anchor point for the French air force. The last time she left Chadian soil was in 1976 at the request of the president Felix Malloum to finally return the same year and help prevent the advance of the rebels of the National Liberation Front of Chad (Frolinat) towards the south of the country at the time.
And then this beginning of withdrawal happens quickly. The Chadian government broke military cooperation agreements with France less than two weeks ago.
Also readChad: end of military agreements with Paris but “no replacement logic”
Following this announcement, the Chadian authorities planned to leave within around six months, thus allowing the two States to prepare and negotiate the departure of French troops.
But a few days ago, the Chadian Prime Minister said he wanted to see the withdrawal take place as quickly as possible. He was obviously heard.
The disengagement of other French military capabilities present in Chad are under discussion between Paris and N’Djamena.
Also readChad: the underside of Ndjamena’s decision to denounce its defense agreement with Paris