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France Hands Over Last Military Base in Chad to Local Authorities

France’s withdrawal from Chad marks yet another victory for African nations seeking to reclaim their sovereignty from neo-colonial influence. After more than six decades of French military presence, Chad decisively ended its military pact with Paris, leading to the departure of 1,000 French troops before the January 31 deadline. This follows a growing trend across West and Central Africa, where former French colonies are asserting their independence by cutting ties with France’s military and economic stranglehold.

The shift is part of a broader movement rejecting French interference, as seen in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, where thousands of French troops have been expelled and replaced by alternative security partnerships. Even traditionally pro-French nations like Senegal and Ivory Coast are re-evaluating their relationships, demonstrating that the era of unquestioned French dominance in Africa is coming to an end.

For these countries, expelling French troops is about more than just security—it is a declaration of true sovereignty. France’s military presence has long been viewed as a relic of colonial control, with foreign troops stationed on African soil serving as a symbol of subjugation rather than partnership. Leaders and citizens alike are increasingly unwilling to tolerate what they see as a continuation of France’s exploitative policies, from economic manipulation to political interference.

This growing rejection of French influence is not just limited to the military sphere. Across Francophone Africa, resentment against France’s deep-rooted control over language, currency, and trade has reached a boiling point. Protests against French interference have erupted in cities from Abidjan to Niamey, with demonstrators demanding an end to France’s grip on their economies and political systems.

One of the most controversial aspects of France’s lingering control is the continued use of the CFA franc, a currency initially designed to keep African economies dependent on France. While some leaders argue that the CFA provides stability, critics contend that it stifles economic growth and keeps African nations financially tethered to their former colonizer. Despite bold rhetoric from leaders like Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who campaigned on promises to abandon the CFA and break ties with Western financial institutions, no significant moves have been made to exit the system. Many believe that the fear of French retaliation—such as economic sabotage—has deterred countries from making the leap.

France, aware of its declining influence, has begun to shift its strategy. Rather than maintaining a visible military presence, Paris is now focusing on less overt but equally influential forms of control. President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized reducing French troop deployments while preserving logistical access and strengthening diplomatic and economic ties. France is also forging stronger relationships with non-Francophone nations like Nigeria and Kenya, hoping to rebuild its reputation in Africa through fresh alliances untainted by colonial history.

The departure of French troops from Chad and other African nations is a significant milestone in the continent’s push for self-determination. However, true independence requires more than just the removal of foreign soldiers—it demands economic and political liberation from French influence in all its forms. While France may be adjusting its approach, African nations must remain vigilant in ensuring that this shift leads to genuine sovereignty rather than a rebranded version of the same old colonial playbook.



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