France has officially handed over its last military base in Chad to the Chadian government, marking the end of its military attachment to the West African country. The transfer of the Sergeant Adji Kossei base in N'Djamena, Chad's capital, was completed on Wednesday, according to the Chadian General Staff of the Armed Forces.

This development marks the third French military base to be relinquished to the Chadian government, following the transfer of two other bases last year. The move is seen as a significant step in France's exit from Chad, which has been a key player in the region's security landscape.

Chad's decision to cut ties with Western powers, including France, is part of a broader trend in West Africa. Countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have also been re-evaluating their relationships with Western nations. Chad's move is seen as a bid to assert its independence and sovereignty, particularly in the wake of the recent attack on its presidential palace.

The attack, which occurred on January 8, 2025, was initially reported by French media to have been orchestrated by members of the notorious Boko Haram terrorist group. However, Chadian officials later confirmed that the attackers were local youths from N'Djamena, and not an organized terrorist group. The misinformation sparked tensions between Chad and France, with Chadian officials accusing France of continued interference in the country's internal affairs.

The transfer of the military base is seen as a significant milestone in Chad's efforts to assert its independence and take control of its own security. The Chadian National Army is set to take over the administration of the infrastructure recovered from France, marking a new era in the country's military development.

The implications of France's exit from Chad are far-reaching, with potential consequences for regional security and cooperation. As Chad and other West African nations re-evaluate their relationships with Western powers, the region's security landscape is likely to undergo significant changes.

In the broader context, France's exit from Chad marks a shift in the country's approach to international relations and security. As France re-evaluates its role in West Africa, it remains to be seen how this will impact its relationships with other countries in the region.

For Chad, the transfer of the military base marks a new chapter in its history, as the country seeks to assert its independence and sovereignty in the face of regional and global challenges.