Chad breaks its defense cooperation agreements with France

Chad is ending security and defense cooperation agreements with France, the Chadian Minister of Foreign Affairs announced Thursday, a few hours after the visit of his French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot.

“The Government of the Republic of Chad informs national and international opinion of its decision to terminate the defense cooperation agreement signed with the French Republic”said Abderaman Koulamallah in a statement published on the ministry's official Facebook page.

The French minister, who arrived in Ethiopia on Thursday evening, could not immediately be reached to react to this information.

“A historic turning point”

“It’s not a break with France like Niger or elsewhere”nevertheless assured AFP the Chadian minister contacted by telephone. “This decision, taken after in-depth analysis, marks a historic turning point. Indeed, after 66 years of the proclamation of the Republic of Chad, it is time for Chad to assert its full sovereignty, and to redefine its strategic partnerships according to national priorities.he explained in the press release.

During a press point in N'Djamena, after an interview between President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno and the head of French diplomacy, Mr. Koulamallah concluded by asking France to “consider now that Chad has grown, has matured” and that “Chad is a sovereign state and very jealous of its sovereignty” without mentioning the termination of these cooperation agreements.