N’DJAMENA, Chad
The French government has just handed over its detachment camp in the city of Abeché to Chad. The Chadian Minister of Defence, his delegation, and French officials participated in the ceremony.
For the French military, the
result of many years of presence in northern Chad has been strengthened through
strong ties, not only with the Chadian soldiers but also with the local
population.
Colonel Boris POMIROL,
Commander of French Forces in the Sahel said: "These ties are a living
testament to the friendship that unites our two peoples and, despite the
departure of our troops, this friendship will endure. Today, after so many
years in Abeché, the situation is different. Chad has strengthened its
capabilities and is able to face the security and humanitarian challenges in
Ouaddai. The return of the camp to the Chadian military is a symbol of this.
This withdrawal is not a farewell from France, but a 'see you later' from its
soldiers."
The Minister of Defence Issaka
Maroua Djamous, who congratulated the decision, still reminded everyone that
the deadline for the departure of French troops remains January 31, 2025.
"For me, this is an
opportunity to reiterate the firm will of the government to respect the
established deadlines, with the final departure of French forces from Chad set
for January 31, 2025.
January 31, 2025 is the
non-negotiable date," Djamous said in a statement.
Abeché, a city in northern
Chad, has been known for years for its hostility to the presence of the French
base. Demonstrations calling for the departure of the base have always occurred
in the city, even though they were violently suppressed by the Chadian regime
in the past.
Two days before the departure,
columns of trucks loaded with containers and heavy equipment were seen heading
to N'Djamena. Some of the equipment will transit through Cameroon to be shipped
by sea to France.
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