France has officially ended its 60-year military presence in Chad by closing its last military base. The Kosseï camp in N’Djamena, the country’s capital, was the final French base in the Sahel. This closure marked the end of France’s colonial-era military influence in the region.
On Friday, the last group of nearly 1,000 French soldiers left Chad. This withdrawal follows a series of similar departures from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in recent years. Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby made the decision in November 2023 to terminate defense agreements with France, citing sovereignty concerns.
Growing anti-French sentiment in West Africa contributed to this move. Since 2022, multiple Sahel nations have sought to end their military ties with France.
African Nations Seek New Alliances
The decision to remove French troops aligns with a broader regional shift. Countries such as Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire have also announced plans to expel French forces. The Sahel nations aim to redefine their sovereignty by forming new alliances and gaining greater autonomy.
Euronews journalist Jeremiah Fisayo Bambi noted that these countries want to establish independent policies. They seek to make decisions without foreign military intervention.
Although the military juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger actively distanced themselves from France, Chad appears more cautious. N’Djamena framed its decision as a matter of national sovereignty, rather than a complete break with Paris.
In Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, leaders have adopted a similar stance. Nina Wilén, director of the Africa Programme at the Egmont Institute, emphasized that these governments want to send a clear message: the presence of French troops is no longer welcome.
France and the EU Lose Influence in West Africa
The withdrawal of French forces weakens France’s standing in West Africa. It also reduces the European Union’s influence in the region.
For the past decade, many European leaders relied on France to lead counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel. France conducted the largest military operation against extremist groups, allowing other European nations to avoid deploying their own forces.
However, Nina Wilén argues that Europe also bears responsibility for this decline. She believes that France mishandled its relationships with regional leaders and maintained a condescending attitude toward African nations. Furthermore, she criticizes European unwillingness to invest in the region or support African governments effectively.
As France’s influence wanes, new international players are stepping in. Russia, through its paramilitary group Wagner, now renamed Africa Corps, is expanding its footprint in Africa. Reports suggest 5,000 Russian fighters are already operating across the continent.
The power vacuum left by France presents opportunities for Russia and other global actors. The future of West Africa’s security landscape remains uncertain as African nations seek new strategic partnerships.
