Chadian President to visit France

Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, President of Chad, is set to visit the Élysée Palace in Paris on Tuesday, October 13, at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. The visit aims to relaunch the Franco-Chadian partnership, which has been strained since the end of France's military presence in the country.

End of French military presence in Chad

The Chadian government announced on November 28, 2024, that it would terminate its military cooperation agreement with France. This led to the departure of about 1,000 French soldiers and the closure of French military bases in Chad, which had been in place for several decades. The move was seen as an effort to assert national sovereignty and redefine external partnerships.

Resumption of political dialogue

A first step toward political rapprochement occurred on January 29, 2026, when Déby met Macron at the Élysée Palace. The two leaders expressed their intent to build a renewed partnership based on mutual respect and shared interests. They discussed regional issues, including the war in Sudan, and the October 13 meeting continues this dialogue.

Economic cooperation as a priority

Economic cooperation has emerged as a key area for Franco-Chadian collaboration. On September 25, a business forum in Paris brought together companies and officials from both countries to explore investment opportunities. Agreements were announced in sectors like health, agriculture, and logistics, including the development of health centers and a partnership around the Toukra dry port project.

Trade and investment figures

According to data from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, France exported 117 million euros worth of goods to Chad in 2023, while importing 414 million euros, mostly from hydrocarbons. Strengthening productive partnerships and creating value in Chad are seen as crucial for a sustainable economic relationship between the two nations.

Security challenges remain

Despite the military break in 2024, security remains a shared concern for both countries. Chad faces instability from armed threats in the Sahel and the spillover effects of the war in Sudan. While discussions have touched on military training and intelligence sharing, a return to the previous system of French troop presence is not under consideration, as Chadian authorities rejected it.

Focus on regional and international issues

The October 13 meeting will also address regional and international topics, particularly the situation in Sudan, which has significant humanitarian and security impacts on Chad. The Chadian presidency emphasized that the bilateral meeting would focus on strengthening economic ties and discussing regional issues of mutual interest.