Sengal & Chad

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New Era of Sovereignty in Africa | Calls for People's choice respect

Analytics - منذ 7 شهر

Chad & Senegal calls for sovereign

South Eye | Analysis

In a striking development, Chad has formally terminated its defense and security cooperation agreements with France, signaling a significant recalibration of its foreign relations. The announcement, delivered by Chad’s Foreign Minister Abdel Rahman Kalaam Allah, came shortly after a visit by France’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, to the capital, N’Djamena.

This decision, as detailed in an official statement, represents what Chad terms a "historic turning point." The minister declared that "66 years after declaring itself a republic, Chad is reaffirming its full sovereignty and re-evaluating strategic partnerships to align with national priorities." This bold move underscores a growing trend in Africa, where former colonies are asserting their autonomy and reevaluating ties with their ex-colonial powers.

Chad’s relationship with France has historically been one of dependence, particularly in defense and security. The cooperation agreement, now annulled, allowed for French military presence in Chad and joint operations aimed at combating insurgencies in the Sahel region. Over the years, French troops stationed in Chad played a critical role in supporting the Chadian government, especially during crises such as the fight against Boko Haram and other militant groups.

However, this arrangement has not been without controversy. Many Chadians view the French presence as a relic of colonialism, symbolizing a lack of full sovereignty. The sentiment has grown amid accusations that French policies prioritize their strategic interests over local needs. France’s military footprint in the region has been under increasing scrutiny, with similar challenges arising in other Sahelian nations such as Mali and Burkina Faso.

By terminating these agreements, Chad sends a clear message: it intends to define its future on its terms. This move aligns with a broader wave of African nations seeking to diversify their alliances and reduce reliance on Western powers. Chad’s statement emphasized that the decision was made after "deep analysis," hinting at a comprehensive evaluation of the benefits and drawbacks of its longstanding partnership with France.

The decision also reflects internal dynamics within Chad. President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, who took power in 2021 after the death of his father, Idriss Déby, is likely seeking to consolidate his leadership and respond to growing public demand for reforms. By asserting Chad’s independence in such a visible way, his government may be attempting to bolster its legitimacy both domestically and regionally.

The termination of these agreements is not just a bilateral issue; it has broader implications for the region and France’s role in Africa. France, which has long been a dominant player in the Sahel through its Operation Barkhane and other military engagements, faces mounting resistance across the continent. The loss of Chad as a strategic partner weakens France’s influence in the Sahel and complicates its ability to project power in a region plagued by instability and insurgencies.

For Chad, this decision could open the door to new partnerships. Nations such as China, Russia, and Turkey have been increasingly active in Africa, offering alternatives to traditional Western alliances. This shift may allow Chad to negotiate agreements that better align with its developmental and security goals while balancing relations with global powers.

While this decision underscores Chad’s aspirations for sovereignty, it also brings challenges. France’s military and logistical support have been crucial in maintaining stability in Chad and countering regional threats. Without this backing, Chad will need to invest significantly in its defense capabilities or seek new partners willing to fill the void.

Moreover, the timing of this decision—amid ongoing regional instability and a rise in militant activities—raises questions about Chad’s capacity to manage security threats independently. The government must carefully navigate these risks to avoid creating vulnerabilities that could be exploited by insurgent groups.

Chad’s cancellation of its defense agreements with France marks a pivotal moment in its history, reflecting a broader trend of African nations reclaiming agency over their foreign policies. While this move may enhance Chad’s sovereignty and appeal to nationalist sentiments, it also introduces uncertainties in a region fraught with challenges.

For Chad, the path forward will require a delicate balance between asserting independence and ensuring that its security and development goals are met. For France, this development is a sobering reminder of the waning influence of traditional powers in a rapidly changing global landscape. The coming months will reveal whether Chad’s bold gamble will inspire similar moves across Africa or lead to unforeseen complications in an already volatile region.

In another hand; Senegal’s Shift Away from French Military Presence: A New Era of Sovereignty

In a striking declaration, Senegalese President Bassirou Dioumay Faye announced his country’s decision to phase out French military bases, asserting that their presence undermines Senegal's sovereignty and independence. This move reflects growing dissatisfaction across West Africa with former colonial powers maintaining a military foothold, while also marking Senegal’s ambition to redefine its strategic partnerships on its terms.

President Faye’s statement encapsulates a broader African sentiment: the post-colonial era must now give way to full political and military sovereignty. "No country," he stressed, "will maintain military bases in Senegal," a principle that will shape the forthcoming update to Senegal’s military cooperation doctrine. This shift underscores Senegal's intent to pursue a self-reliant defense policy, ensuring external powers no longer dictate its security framework.

This announcement aligns with a wave of anti-French sentiment in West Africa, seen in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where similar demands to expel French troops have emerged. However, Senegal’s approach appears distinct in its diplomatic tone and structured strategy, avoiding abrupt upheavals while signaling a clear departure from dependency.

President Faye also highlighted Senegal's burgeoning ties with non-traditional partners, including Turkey, China, the United States, and Saudi Arabia. These nations, he pointed out, have built strong relationships with Senegal without establishing military bases. This observation serves as a critique of France's enduring colonial legacy, while affirming Senegal's pursuit of balanced, mutually respectful partnerships.

By fostering such diversified alliances, Senegal positions itself as a dynamic player on the global stage, less reliant on any single power bloc. This strategy aligns with Africa's broader trend of engaging with emerging global powers like China and Turkey, which prioritize economic cooperation over military presence.

Acknowledgment of France’s Colonial Crimes

In a parallel but poignant development, President Faye welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron’s acknowledgment of the 1944 Thiaroye Massacre, where French colonial forces brutally killed West African soldiers near Dakar. Macron’s admission of responsibility is a rare gesture, but it is unlikely to stem the tide of growing skepticism toward France in Africa. Instead, it highlights the complexities of reconciling historical injustices while navigating the contentious legacy of French influence in the region.

Senegal’s decision to demand the closure of French military bases carries significant implications, both domestically and internationally:

Domestic Sovereignty and National Unity: This move is likely to resonate with Senegalese citizens, reinforcing a sense of national pride and independence. By prioritizing sovereignty, President Faye strengthens his domestic political position, particularly among younger generations who view French influence as an impediment to true autonomy. Also Senegal’s decision may embolden neighboring countries to reevaluate their own military agreements with France and other foreign powers. This trend could redefine the geopolitical landscape of West Africa, shifting it toward greater regional cooperation and self-reliance. While Senegal aims to diversify its partnerships, phasing out French military support presents challenges. France’s military presence has provided critical infrastructure, training, and logistical support, especially in combating terrorism in the Sahel. Senegal will need to invest heavily in its defense capabilities or seek alternative support from its new partners.

For France, this marks another blow to its waning influence in Africa. Coupled with recent expulsions from other Sahelian nations, this development challenges France’s role as a dominant security partner in the region. Paris will need to reassess its approach, potentially transitioning from direct military involvement to broader diplomatic and economic engagement.

Senegal’s decision is both symbolic and strategic. It sends a powerful message that the era of unchecked foreign military presence is over while positioning Senegal as a leader in the movement toward African self-determination. By coupling this announcement with a diplomatic acknowledgment of France’s historical wrongs, President Faye demonstrates a nuanced approach that balances assertiveness with reconciliation.

As Senegal prepares to implement its revised military cooperation doctrine, its actions will be closely watched across Africa and beyond. Whether this move fosters greater security and independence or introduces new vulnerabilities will depend on how effectively Senegal navigates its evolving relationships and regional security dynamics.