The situation has taken France by surprise. France had been preparing to withdraw its ground forces from Chad starting next week.
On Friday, Paris received a notice from officials requesting the complete withdrawal of all personnel from the base in N’Djamena by December 31.
This marks another setback for France, as Chad was the last stronghold of French influence in West Africa’s Sahel region.
Paris had planned to begin sending troops back to France from Tuesday, but sources suggest negotiations are ongoing for a gradual pullback, which is expected to conclude in March.
Now, Paris has had to accelerate its efforts, sending the first 120 soldiers back to France on Friday afternoon. The situation in the country developed rapidly.
In October, 40 Chadian soldiers were killed in an attack by Boko Haram militants on a military outpost in the Lake Chad region.
The government accused France, in particular, of refusing to provide information and assistance following the brutal attack.
France’s failure to help led to deteriorating relations with N’Djamena, which eventually demanded the withdrawal of French troops and ended the defense agreement.
This was followed by protests across towns in the country calling for the French army’s departure.
