France has officially handed over its first military base to Chad, marking a crucial milestone in its departure from the Central African country and the Sahel region. According to the Chadian Ministry of the Armed Forces, Veterans, and Victims of War, the transfer of the Faya base to the Chad National Army took place on December 26, 2024.

This development comes after France initiated the process of removing its military presence from Chad earlier in the month, starting with the withdrawal of two airplanes stationed in the capital, N'Djamena. The French military chief of staff confirmed that the handover took place in accordance with the agreed calendar and conditions with Chad.

The departure of French troops from Chad is a significant shift in the region's dynamics, particularly in the context of France's military engagement in the Sahel. For decades, France has maintained a military presence in the region, with around 1,000 French army members stationed in Chad. However, Chad's President Mahamat Deby recently dissolved the country's defense cooperation agreement with France, citing growing irrelevance as the motivation behind the decision.

The move is seen as part of a broader trend of African states seeking to assert their independence and reduce French military and political dominance within their borders. Anti-colonial sentiments and displeasure with France's role in regional affairs have been cited as key factors driving this shift. In recent years, France has already evacuated soldiers from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

The implications of France's withdrawal from Chad are far-reaching, particularly in the context of counter-terrorism efforts in the region. The departure of French troops brings to an end direct French operations against Islamist insurgents in the Sahel, leaving a significant gap in regional security efforts.

As France continues to withdraw its military presence from the region, it remains to be seen how the security landscape will evolve. However, one thing is clear – the shift in dynamics marks a significant turning point in the history of French military engagement in the Sahel, and will likely have lasting implications for regional politics and security.

In related news, a cargo jet carrying 80 tons of supplies departed N'Djamena for France, while a convoy of 54 cars headed toward the city, further underscoring the scale and complexity of the French withdrawal from Chad.

As the situation continues to unfold, it will be important to monitor developments in the region and assess the long-term implications of France's withdrawal from Chad and the Sahel.