By Spy Uganda Correspondent
The French government has just handed over its detachment camp in Abeché to Chad. The Chadian Minister of Defence, his delegation, and French officials participated in the ceremony.
The French military’s many years of presence in northern Chad have resulted in strengthened ties with the Chadian soldiers and the local population.
Colonel Boris POMIROL, Commander of French Forces in the Sahel said: “These ties are a living testament to the friendship that unites our two peoples and, despite the departure of our troops, this friendship will endure.
Today, after so many years in Abeché, the situation is different. Chad has strengthened its capabilities and can face the security and humanitarian challenges in Ouaddai. The return of the camp to the Chadian military is a symbol of this. This withdrawal is not a farewell from France, but a ‘see you later’ from its soldiers.”
The Minister of Defence Issaka Maroua Djamous congratulated the decision but reminded everyone that the deadline for the departure of French troops remains January 31, 2025.
“For me, this is an opportunity to reiterate the firm will of the government to respect the established deadlines, with the final departure of French forces from Chad set for January 31, 2025. January 31, 2025, is the non-negotiable date,” Djamous said in a statement.
Abeché, a city in northern Chad, has been known for years for its hostility to the presence of the French base. Demonstrations calling for the departure of the base have always occurred in the city, even though they were violently suppressed by the Chadian regime in the past.
Two days before the departure, columns of trucks loaded with containers and heavy equipment were seen heading to N’Djamena.
Some of the equipment will transit through Cameroon to be shipped by sea to France.
