France Begins Withdrawal Of Fighter Jets From Chad After Military Pact Ends

France has initiated the withdrawal of its military assets from Chad following the official termination of their decades-long defense cooperation pact. Two Mirage fighter jets, previously stationed in the capital N’Djamena, have departed, marking the start of the pullout process, according to an AFP report.

French Army spokesperson Colonel Guillaume Vernet confirmed the jets’ departure, signaling the beginning of the repatriation of French military equipment. However, the timeline for the complete withdrawal remains unclear, and discussions are ongoing regarding whether any French troops will stay in Chad.

Chad’s decision to terminate the military pact on November 28 came as a surprise, ending France’s long-standing defense presence in the country. This move follows France’s recent withdrawals from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, driven by military coups and rising anti-French sentiment in the region.

Currently, around 1,000 French troops remain in Chad, primarily tasked with combating Islamist militant threats in the Sahel region. Colonel Vernet indicated that finalizing the withdrawal could take several weeks, marking the conclusion of direct French military operations in the area.