PARIS/N’DJAMENA — French President Emmanuel Macron has extended an invitation to Chadian leader Mahamat Idriss Déby for talks in Paris, as both countries attempt to repair strained ties following Chad’s abrupt termination of its defence agreement with France in late 2024. The invitation, delivered by France’s ambassador to Chad, Éric Gérard, signals a renewed effort to adapt Franco‑Chadian relations to shifting geopolitical realities in Central Africa.
Background: A Sudden Break in Military Ties
In November 2024, Chad stunned observers by ending its decades‑old defence pact with France, calling the agreement “obsolete” and of little value to its modern security needs. The decision forced the withdrawal of roughly 1,000 French troops stationed in Chad, who had provided intelligence and logistical support from bases including N’Djamena.
The move was framed by Chadian authorities as an assertion of sovereignty, reclaiming full control of national defence more than 60 years after independence. Yet it also reflected France’s declining influence in the Sahel, following forced withdrawals from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso after successive coups.
Déby’s Balancing Act
President Déby has insisted that Chad’s decision was not about replacing France with another foreign power. Instead, he emphasized forging alliances based on mutual respect. His government has sought to diversify partnerships, signing a memorandum of understanding with Belarus — a close ally of Russia — to strengthen military cooperation.
This has fueled speculation that Chad may be drifting away from Western partners toward Moscow’s orbit. However, Déby has publicly denied any intention of inviting Russian forces to replace France, stressing that Chad’s priority is sovereignty and pragmatic cooperation.
France’s Diplomatic Outreach
Macron’s invitation to Déby reflects France’s desire to halt the erosion of its influence in Africa. The meeting is expected to focus on “renewal of bilateral cooperation,” with both sides stressing dialogue, openness, and consultation.
A statement from Chad’s presidency described the talks as an opportunity to “thoroughly review Franco‑Chadian cooperation” and adapt it to the “new balance of power.” The emphasis on consultation suggests both countries are seeking a more equal footing, moving away from the paternalistic dynamics that have often characterized France’s relations with its former colonies.
Regional Context
France’s retreat from the Sahel has created a vacuum in regional security. Coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have led to the expulsion of French forces, while Russia’s Wagner Group and other actors have sought to fill the gap. Chad, long seen as a stabilizing force in the region, now finds itself at the center of competing geopolitical interests.
By inviting Déby to Paris, Macron hopes to preserve France’s partnership with Chad, which remains strategically important for counterterrorism operations and regional stability. For Chad, the invitation offers a chance to renegotiate terms of cooperation on its own terms, while signaling openness to dialogue with Western partners.
Sovereignty and Security Challenges
Chad continues to grapple with serious security threats, including jihadist insurgencies, cross‑border instability, and internal political tensions. The withdrawal of French and U.S. forces has heightened concerns about the country’s ability to manage these challenges alone.
Déby’s government insists that sovereignty must come first, but it also recognizes the need for external support. The balancing act between asserting independence and securing international assistance will define Chad’s foreign policy in the coming years.
Outlook
The upcoming Paris visit, though not yet scheduled, could mark a turning point in Franco‑Chadian relations. If successful, it may pave the way for a new framework of cooperation that respects Chad’s sovereignty while addressing shared security concerns.
For France, the stakes are high. Rebuilding trust with Chad could help Macron salvage France’s broader role in Africa, where its influence has been steadily eroded. For Chad, the talks offer a chance to redefine its partnerships, ensuring they align with national interests rather than external agendas.
As both sides prepare for dialogue, the message is clear: Franco‑Chadian relations must be renewed, revitalized, and adapted to a changing geopolitical landscape. Whether this leads to a genuine reset or merely a tactical rapprochement remains to be seen.