France and Chad are rebuilding their military relationship following nearly two years of strained ties, with both countries agreeing to renew defence cooperation under a framework intended to reflect their changing security priorities.

The renewed partnership was formalised on October 13 during a meeting in Paris between French President Emmanuel Macron and Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno.

Their defence ministers signed a declaration of intent to structure and develop bilateral cooperation in training, expertise, defence industry and technology. The arrangement is expected to support the development of the Chadian armed forces’ capabilities, including in emerging areas of military technology.

The agreement follows Chad’s decision in November 2024 to terminate its defence cooperation pact with France, bringing an end to a security arrangement that had linked the two countries for decades.

French forces subsequently withdrew from Chad, with approximately 1,000 personnel leaving their bases by the end of January 2025.

The withdrawal formed part of a wider reduction in France’s military presence across the Sahel, following the departure of French troops from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger amid deteriorating relations with their governments.

Since the rupture, Chad has explored security partnerships with other countries, including Russia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. However, continuing regional instability has contributed to renewed engagement with France.

Chad faces security pressures along several borders, particularly from the conflict in neighbouring Sudan and armed groups operating around the Lake Chad region. The Sudanese conflict has also generated substantial refugee movements into eastern Chad, placing additional pressure on border communities and national security arrangements.

The renewed cooperation is expected to focus on practical military assistance rather than restoring France’s previous permanent troop presence.

Reports indicate that limited French military training activities resumed during 2026, including instruction for Chadian units and air force personnel. The two countries have also discussed intelligence sharing, surveillance capabilities and possible supplies of aircraft and helicopters to address operational gaps in Chad’s armed forces.

These discussions include improving air support for ground forces, medical evacuation and the collection of intelligence across Chad’s extensive territory.

French officials have indicated that the renewed relationship would proceed gradually, with a more limited military footprint and greater emphasis on cooperation agreed with Chadian authorities.

For Chad, the arrangement offers an opportunity to strengthen military capabilities while maintaining control over its security partnerships. For France, it represents a renewed role in a strategically significant country situated between the Sahel and Central Africa.

Both governments have presented the partnership as a fresh phase in bilateral relations, with an emphasis on mutual respect and practical cooperation.

Beyond defence, the two countries are also seeking to strengthen economic relations. Recent engagements have included discussions and agreements covering transport, healthcare, energy and education, reflecting efforts to broaden cooperation beyond military affairs.

The implementation of the renewed defence framework is expected to determine the extent of future cooperation, including the scale of military training, equipment support and intelligence collaboration.