PARIS, December 3. /TASS/. The cessation of the security cooperation agreement between the Republic of Chad and France, combined with the demand for the withdrawal of French forces, has become a strategic defeat for France, with significant economic consequences, says Jacques Sapir, a French economist and director of studies at the School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences (EHESS).
Speaking in an interview with TASS, he emphasized that, unlike in Senegal, where France still maintains a limited military presence, the troops in Chad had crucial importance in terms of the ability to intervene in the situation in the Sahel. According to Sapir, despite statements made by the French Foreign Ministry, this was not part of the plan to reduce military presence on the continent and "will pose a problem if regional countries request support from France."
"Overall, this is a strategic defeat for France, which has provided significant support to the current president of Chad. The reason for this defeat is, of course, France’s very negative image in West Africa, which in some cases could be explained by the behavior of French companies in these countries, but could also be linked to Emmanuel Macron’s political style, which has become unpopular in many countries due to his habit of 'lecturing' others," the expert said.
"This strategic defeat will undoubtedly have economic consequences for French companies, which already face intense competition from other companies, especially Chinese ones," Sapir added.
Earlier, Chad's Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah stated in an interview with Le Monde that France must withdraw its military contingent of about 1,000 troops after the defense agreement is severed. According to the Foreign Minister, the withdrawal must take place "in accordance with the terms" and "within the timeframe specified by the defense agreement." According to the newspaper, the severance of the agreement has been seen as "an insult to Paris," as France’s military presence in the former colony lasted for almost a century.
Apart from Chad, France has military bases in Gabon, Ivory coast, and Senegal. The President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, told French media that his country also seeks the withdrawal of French troops from its territory. Currently, there are 350 French servicemen deployed in Senegal.