France has started the process of withdrawing its military presence from Chad, with the departure of two warplanes stationed in N'Djamena, the capital, marking the beginning of the end of decades of French military presence in the Sahel region.

This development comes two weeks after Chad's government terminated its defense cooperation pact with France, citing the growing irrelevance of the agreement. Chad's President Mahamat Deby explained that the decision was driven by the country's desire to assert its independence and sovereignty.

The specifics of France's military withdrawal from Chad, including the terms and conditions, are yet to be finalized. However, the process has begun, with the first Mirage warplanes returning to their base in eastern France earlier this week. French Army spokesperson Colonel Guillaume Vernet confirmed that the departure of the warplanes marks the beginning of the return of French equipment stationed in N'Djamena.

This move is part of a broader trend of African nations increasingly asserting their independence from French influence. Several African countries have recently taken steps to end France's military and political influence within their borders, driven by rising anti-colonial sentiments and dissatisfaction with France's involvement in regional affairs. France has already withdrawn its troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

The withdrawal from Chad marks the end of direct French operations against Islamist militants in the region. Currently, France has approximately 1,000 troops stationed in Chad, and finalizing a timeline for the drawdown of operations will take several weeks of coordination between the two countries.

Chad's Army spokesperson, Chanane Issakha Acheikh, assured the public that they would be kept updated on the withdrawal process "until the definitive departure of the [French] forces." There are no indications that France was given prior notice of Chad's decision to end the defense cooperation agreement.

However, a French envoy recently delivered a report to President Emmanuel Macron suggesting proposals to scale back French military presence in Chad, Gabon, and Ivory Coast. This move may be seen as an attempt by France to adapt to the shifting regional dynamics and maintain some level of influence in the region.

The implications of this withdrawal are far-reaching, marking a significant shift in the regional balance of power. As African nations increasingly assert their independence, it remains to be seen how France will adapt to its reduced role in the region. One thing is clear, however: the era of French dominance in the Sahel is coming to an end, and a new chapter in regional relations is beginning.

In conclusion, France's military withdrawal from Chad is a significant development in the region, marking a shift towards greater independence and sovereignty for African nations. As the dynamics of regional power continue to evolve, it will be crucial to monitor the implications of this move and its impact on the future of African-French relations.