In a significant diplomatic overture, French President Emmanuel Macron has formally invited Chadian President Mahamat Déby to Paris, signaling a potential reset of bilateral relations following recent military estrangement. The verbal invitation was conveyed by France’s Ambassador to Chad, Éric Gérard, during a Monday meeting at the presidential palace in N’Djamena.
This development comes against the backdrop of substantial geopolitical shifts. In November 2024, Chad abruptly terminated its longstanding defense agreement with France, declaring the colonial-era pact ‘obsolete’ for addressing contemporary security challenges. This decision triggered the withdrawal of approximately 1,000 French troops who had been providing intelligence and logistical support from bases across the central African nation.
The Chadian presidency confirmed Déby’s acceptance of the invitation while withholding specific timing details. Officials characterized the discussion as focusing on ‘renewal of bilateral cooperation’ through ‘dialogue and openness in a spirit of consultation and consideration of the interests of each party.’
Chad’s recent foreign policy reorientation represents broader regional realignments. Prior to severing military ties with France, N’Djamena had also ordered the departure of US forces, fueling speculation about shifting alliances. While Déby has publicly denied intentions to replace Western partners with alternative foreign powers, Chad recently signed a military cooperation memorandum with Belarus, a close Russian ally.
This diplomatic maneuvering occurs as France’s influence in the Sahel region continues to diminish following forced withdrawals from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso after successive military coups. Chad remains challenged by significant security threats while asserting what it terms ‘sovereign independence’ in defense matters after six decades of nationhood.