France has announced its decision to maintain its military forces in Chad, governed by a military council, despite withdrawing from other African nations following crises with other military regimes.
This development marks a shift in France's influence in its former West African colonies, where military rulers battling insurgencies in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have expelled French troops and sought closer ties with Russia.
About 1,000 French soldiers are stationed in Chad, led by General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno since 2021, making it one of the few remaining French allies in the region.
Jean-Marie Bockel, President Macron's envoy for Africa tasked with discussing France's new military deployment strategy on the continent, confirmed, "Of course, we will stay in Chad."
Bockel expressed France's admiration for Chad's transition to civilian rule after Deby Itno took power following his father's three-decade rule.
Deby Itno is expected to contest and likely win the presidential elections scheduled for May 6, amidst the neutralization or elimination of key opposition figures.
The recent killing of Deby Itno's main rival and cousin, Yaya Dillo Djerou, described by his party as an "execution," underscores the tense political climate.
The government contends Dillo resisted arrest violently during an armed confrontation with soldiers.
Initially committing to a civilian power transition within 18 months, Deby Itno extended the timeline by another two years and had previously stated he would not run for elections.
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