Africa-Press. In a notable development in Chadian–French relations, Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby received French ambassador to N’Djamena, Éric Gérard, on Monday, 26 January, who delivered an official invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron for a visit to Paris.
This step comes fourteen months after the rupture that followed the sudden and symbolic termination of the two countries’ defense cooperation agreement — a clear sign of a shared willingness to overcome past disputes and open a new chapter in bilateral ties.
According to a statement from the Chadian presidency, the meeting focused on “the future of bilateral cooperation, which is to be renewed and revitalized in line with current challenges.” The statement described the encounter as “important, marked by dialogue and openness, within a framework of consultation and consideration of mutual interests.” During the meeting, the French ambassador conveyed a verbal message from President Macron inviting the Chadian leader to France.
The presidency noted that President Mahamat Idriss Déby received the invitation positively, viewing it as “a strong signal confirming a shared desire to strengthen and modernize relations between N’Djamena and Paris.”
The two capitals appear to be seeking to move beyond the crisis of late November 2024, when Chad unexpectedly announced the termination of its military cooperation agreements with France — a move that forced Paris to rapidly withdraw its forces and equipment from Chadian territory.
Chadian anthropologist Rémadji Hoinathy believes this rapprochement “does not mean a return to the previous situation,” stressing that “both countries had to balance their shared interests.”
According to him, Chad represents an important regional foothold for France, particularly in intelligence matters, while N’Djamena views Paris as a valuable diplomatic ally amid a fragile and unstable security and economic environment.
A researcher at the Institute for Security Studies argued that “Chad may not be fully convinced of the outcomes of its policy of diversifying partnerships,” adding that the country “is in urgent need of international support in the face of mounting economic and security challenges.”
Observers also see this renewed engagement in light of the ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan and internal unrest, suggesting that it may reflect a desire by the Chadian authorities to strengthen their political position and confront increasing pressures.
However, the rapprochement with Paris has drawn criticism, particularly from the Chadian opposition. Human rights defender Makyla Nguebla, who lives in exile, said that “France would benefit more from upholding its values rather than supporting a state accused of repressive practices,” referring specifically to the arrest of opposition figure Najaa Mossra and the dissolution of several organizations critical of the government.
