France and Chad Chart New Course, Pivoting from Military Ties to Economic Partnership
PARIS – In a meeting aimed at turning the page on recent tensions, the leaders of France and Chad have agreed to forge a renewed partnership, shifting the cornerstone of their relationship from military cooperation to economic collaboration.
President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno of Chad and France's Emmanuel Macron met at the Élysée Palace on Thursday, signaling a mutual desire to mend ties strained since N'Djamena's sudden termination of a decades-old defense accord late last year.
The move marks a significant recalibration for Paris in the volatile Sahel region. Chad had been France's final strategic military partner in the area following the expulsion of its forces from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger by post-coup governments. For over six decades, French troops and aircraft were a near-constant presence, central to counter-terrorism efforts and training Chad's armed forces.
"Revitalizing economic cooperation is now our shared priority," stated the Chadian presidency following the talks, highlighting sectors like energy, digital infrastructure, and sustainable agriculture as key avenues for the "revitalized partnership."
President Deby emphasized a forward-looking approach: "We have a responsibility to safeguard our achievements, learn from the past, and forge new ambitions that align with the expectations and interests of our respective peoples."
An Élysée official echoed the sentiment, noting, "The focus is decisively on the dynamics of investment, development, and cultural exchange, moving beyond the previous security-centric framework."
Analysis: This reset reflects a broader, painful adaptation of French influence in Africa, where anti-French sentiment and a demand for post-colonial sovereignty have upended traditional alliances. For Chad, distancing from France's military shadow offers political capital at home, while securing economic investment remains critical for its stability. The success of this "economic pivot" will depend on tangible French investments and whether both nations can navigate the complex legacy of their past.
Voices & Reactions
Dr. Alassane Diallo, Senior Fellow at the Sahel Policy Institute: "This is a pragmatic, necessary evolution. The old security model was unsustainable. A relationship based on mutual economic benefit has a far greater chance of longevity, provided commitments are honored."
Marie-Clémentine Touadéra, Political Analyst based in Lyon: "It's a face-saving retreat for Paris disguised as a new chapter. France lost its military footing and is now trying to buy relevance. The 'economic partnership' will be closely watched for signs of conditionalities and old paternalistic habits."
Jean-Baptiste Koumakoye, Entrepreneur in N'Djamena: "Finally, talk of business, not just bombs. We need infrastructure, technology, and jobs. If this shift brings real projects and partnerships on equal terms, it could be transformative for our youth."
Fatimata M'Baye, Activist and Journalist: "(Emotionally) This changes nothing for the people who suffered under the shadow of foreign bases! It's just swapping uniforms for suits. We need a complete audit of past cooperation and guarantees that economic deals won't fuel the same elite corruption. The 'reset' is a PR stunt unless it comes with transparency and reparative justice."