Chad has ended its defence cooperation pact with France – a move that has taken France by surprise and could see French troops leave the country as the former colonial power's influence across the Sahel collapses.
The announcement made by Chad's foreign ministry could now lead to the full withdrawal of 1,000 French troops and warplanes.
It reportedly took France by surprise, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot – who was in Chad on Wednesday – not informed of the decision.
The move was only published on the Chadian Foreign Affairs website once Barrot was on a plane to continue his African tour in Ethiopia.
President Emmanuel Macron was not called by Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby either.
A high-ranking observer told RFI that even Déby’s inner circle appeared to have been surprised by the timing of the announcement.
'Turmoil' in Paris
Meanwhile, the French presidency, the prime minister's office, army staff and intelligence services were reportedly in turmoil on Friday, with a crisis defence council meeting held at the Élysée Palace.
According to French diplomats traveling with Barrot, there was nothing to suggest that N'djamena would make such a major announcement.
After the meeting between the Déby and Barrot on Thursday, ChadianForeign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah described France as "an essential partner", but said Chad had "grown, matured and is a sovereign state" that guards its sovereignty closely.
In light of Chad's intention to have France withdraw its troops, the statement has taken on a more dramatic meaning.
According to RFI's correspondent in N’Djaména, many locals have welcomed the decision, with some saying it was long overdue.
'Asserting sovereignty'
The foreign ministry said Chad – the last country in the Sahel to host French forces – could now "fully assert its sovereignty" after more than 60 years of independence.
The decision would also enable Chad to redefine its strategic partnerships, it added.
A key ally for Western nations in the fight against Islamist militants, Chad has shifted closer to Russia in recent years.
The decision to end the defence cooperation agreement is another nail in the coffin of France's historic and colonial role in west and central Africa after it was forced to pull its troops out of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso following military coups.
The juntas in those countries have turned to Moscow for support, welcoming mercenaries who operate across the Sahel region – a band of countries stretching from Africa's northwest to northeast coasts
'Harmonious transition'
"In accordance with the terms of the accord, Chad will respect the modalities of the termination including the necessary deadlines, and will collaborate with French authorities to ensure a harmonious transition," the ministry statement said.
The announcement came on the same day French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot visited Chad's border with Sudan.
Although there was no sign Paris had been warned of the decision, a French envoy submitted proposals to President Emmanuel Macron about reducing France's military presence in Chad, Gabon and Côte d'Ivoire, where thousands of French troops have been based for decades.
Senegal setback
In a further blow to France, Senegal's President Bassirou Diomayé Fayé told French state TV on Thursday that it was inappropriate for French troops to maintain a presence in his country.
He stopped short of saying if or when French troops would be asked to leave, but said Paris would be the first to know.
Around 350 French troops are based in Senegal.
Despite the shock announcement, Chad’s foreign ministry emphasised that ending the defence pact should in no way undermine the friendly relations between the two countries.
Earlier this year, Chad ordered a small contingent of US special forces to leave.
The US said in September it was in talks about their possible return. The Pentagon has not confirmed whether it currently has a presence in Chad.
