By Mahamat Ramadane
N’DJAMENA (Reuters) – Chad’s president, Mahamat Deby, said the decision to end the military agreement with France was made because it was out of date, in his first public address since a surprise announcement last week.
In an interview at the end of Sunday, Deby said that the agreement is no longer compatible with Chad’s security or political interests. Chad has suffered from a jihadist insurgency for more than a decade, and military support from France and the US has failed to bring stability.
Reliable and interesting news every day, in your inbox
See for yourself – The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and interesting stories.
“This explosion is part of our desire to build a self-governing, dedicated, and responsible Chadian army in the defense of the country,” said Deby.
Until recently, the West had seen Chad as an important partner in the fight against jihadists in the Sahel. Groups linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State are active in the country’s Lake Chad region on its southwestern border.
In October, at least 40 soldiers were killed in a brutal attack on a military base, after which Deby threatened to withdraw the Central African nation from the international security force made up of countries bordering Lake Chad.
Deby’s decision to terminate the agreement with France could force all French troops to leave after being stationed there for six decades since the country gained independence. Chad ordered out of the US military presence this year.
Mr. Deby said that the agreement failed to provide the importance of the military in the country in the midst of various problems, including terrorist attacks. He said that Chad remained open to working with all others, including France.
“This agreement was signed at a different time, with different actors on both sides and under completely different conditions. Over time, this agreement has become obsolete,” he said.
France has been forced to withdraw its soldiers from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, following the military takeover of these West African countries and the rise of anti-French sentiment.
The US is facing a similar problem in the region. Last summer, Niger ordered the closure of its new, multi-million dollar spybase that supported the military in the Sahel after talks with Washington collapsed.
The withdrawal of France, as well as the withdrawal of the US from Africa, is opposed to the expansion of Russia and other countries, including Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, in the continent. Russian mercenaries are helping to prop up the military governments of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, and are fighting against them against Islamist forces.
“This decision was not taken lightly,” said Deby. “It is the result of deep reflection and careful analysis. It fulfills the commitment made to the people of Chad.”
(Reporting by Mahamat Ramadane; Writing by Bate Felix and Jessica Donati, Editing by Ed Osmond)