Chad President: Cooperation agreement with France is outdated and offers no value

Chad President Mahamat Idriss Deby said the military cooperation agreement with France, which his country cancelled a few days ago, “it has become outdated and no longer conforms to the security, geopolitical and strategic realities of the present time, nor to our legitimate aspirations for the full expression of our sovereignty”.

Deby added during a press conference held on Sunday on the occasion of the thirty-fourth anniversary of the Day of Freedom and Democracy, that this agreement doesn’t provide us with any real added value on the military level, as we face various and dangerous challenges alone, especially attacks with a terrorist dimension.

Deby explained that the agreement, which was signed in a bygone era and in a different context, should now generate more responsibility and commitment on the part of Chadian defense and security forces.

The Chadian general considered that the decision to cancel this agreement came in response to a commitment made to the Chadian people through my social project, and in confirmation of a promise to build mutual and balanced relations with sisterly and friendly countries, in the spirit of independence and respect for the sovereignty of countries.

The Chadian president stressed that the decision also comes as a result of reorienting the partnership with France in areas that will have a more positive impact on the daily lives of the population.

Deby confirmed months ago that the decision is based on three main factors, the first of which is the absence of reciprocity.

The French military presence in Chad isn’t based on reciprocity, and Chad must no longer accept from others what it doesn’t accept, and this is the sacred principle of reciprocity.

The second factor is the need for reform… It’s now necessary for Chad to correct the shortcomings in its international relations and to choose the forms and partners of its international cooperation independently in accordance with its national priorities.

The third dimension is to strengthen our capabilities; The conclusion of this agreement is part of our desire to build a Chadian army that is more independent, more committed and more responsible in carrying out its sovereign mission of defending the homeland.

Deby said he had instructed the government to proceed with the implementation of this decision by communicating with the French side, explaining that his country was in no way following the logic of replacing one force with another, let alone following the approach of changing the master, but rather strongly believes in its ability to defend its integrity and ensure the security of its citizens and their property.

French Foreign Ministry announced that France has taken note of Chad’s decision to cancel defense cooperation agreements between the two countries, adding that his country intends to continue dialogue with N’Djamena in order to put these directions into effect.