Chad defends the breaking of the “obsolete” military agreement with France and calls for “reorienting” ties with Paris

The president says that the decision “is not part of the logic of changing one power for another”, given the increase in Russia’s weight in the region

Dec. 2 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The transitional president of Chad, Mahamat Idriss Déby, has defended N’Djamena’s decision to break the military cooperation agreement with France, arguing that it was “obsolete” and has stressed that the decision only affects this pact “in its current configuration” in order to “reorient” ties with Paris.

Déby pointed out in a speech to the nation that the decision “was not taken lightly”, but rather “derived from deep reflection and thorough evaluation”, before recalling that Chad and France “have maintained cooperation for many decades.” in many sectors, mainly in the military.

“This agreement was signed at another time, with other actors and in a totally different context. It sought to respond to joint challenges in another national, regional and international context,” he explained, while reiterating that “it did not correspond to the current security, geopolitical and strategic realities, as well as the legitimate objectives related to the full expression of sovereignty.

Thus, he pointed out that the agreement “did not provide any real added value on the military field”, in which Chad “faces various and serious challenges, mainly terrorist attacks”, in the face of which the Army maintains “a courage never denied and a determination without measure”.

The president, who has praised the work of the Armed Forces, has stated that now “they are called to integrate a new situation resulting from the breaking of this obsolete agreement, which changes absolutely nothing in the concrete facts,” according to a published statement. by the Presidency of Chad.

Along these lines, he stated that “the breaking of this agreement must generate more responsibility within the Defense and Security Forces (FDS), more interaction and more concentration to better defend the integrity of Chad and guarantee the security of its citizens.”

Déby has emphasized in this way that the breaking of the agreement with France is part of his “commitment” to the population for a “social project” that seeks to “build reciprocal and balanced relations with brother and friendly countries, with a spirit of independence and respect to the sovereignty of the States”.

For this reason, he has indicated that the decision “is not framed in the logic of changing one power for another and even less in one of ‘changing owners'”, in reference to the analyzes that point to the possibility of an increase in ties. with Russia, which is expanding its influence on the continent and has deployed mercenaries in several countries in the region.

“Our country believes with faith in its ability to defend its integrity and guarantee the security of its citizens and its property. This decision is a sovereign act, carefully considered, fully assumed, intended to strengthen our national independence and respond to a strong commitment made with the Chadian people,” he added.

FREEDOM TO DEFINE RELATIONSHIPS

In this way, the president has stressed that, “66 years after the proclamation of the Republic, Chad has every right and obligation to freely define its international relations, choose the forms of cooperation it desires and carry out its policy in line with its priorities.

“We have decided to end this military cooperation to reorient our association with France on fields that have a more positive impact on the daily lives of the respective populations,” he said, while explaining the reasons that led him to give this step.

These include the “absence of reciprocity”, since “the French military presence in Chad is not based on a reciprocal basis.” “Chad should not accept from others what is not accepted by these others,” he noted, before also pointing out “the need to repair” the “imperfections” in N’Djamena’s “international relations.”

This involves “choosing with total independence the forms and partners of international cooperation”, in addition to “strengthening the capabilities” of the country and achieving a “Chadian Army that lives up to all its responsibilities, more autonomous, more committed and more responsible.” in the materialization of its mission of defense of the homeland”.

However, he has guaranteed that “this decision to break does not represent a rejection of international cooperation nor a questioning of diplomatic relations with France.” “We remain open to constructive exchanges with all our partners, including France,” he added.

The president has also reaffirmed his commitment to “the fight against terrorism” and has promised to “act to contribute to regional security, in close collaboration with neighboring countries and all nations that share these concerns.” “Chad will continue to play its role within initiatives to strengthen peace and security,” he argued.

For this reason, he has elaborated that the measure seeks to “strengthen sovereignty, rethink international relations and assume our own responsibilities in building lasting peace, both in Chad and in the region”, for which he will work “with all partners ” out of “a spirit of mutual respect.”

The decision by N’Djamena, a key ally of France in the region and a country that hosts the largest French military base on the continent, comes after the military junta of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have broken their defense ties with France and staged a rapprochement with Russia, which has caused concern in Paris and its Western partners.