Chad’s government has firmly denied reports suggesting the imminent return of US troops to the country, refuting claims made by a senior US military official. Chad’s Foreign Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, issued a clear statement rejecting the possibility of US forces returning to the West African nation. His comments came after reports had circulated that the US Africa Military Command (AFRICOM) was considering a renewed deployment of troops to Chad at the request of N’Djamena.
“We have not discussed with the American government the return of its troops to Chad,” Koulamallah stated, emphasizing that no discussions had taken place between Chad’s military departments and the US government. He further affirmed Chad’s sovereignty in making decisions on national security and military cooperation, stressing that Chad will remain in control of such matters and has no intention of allowing US forces back into the country at present.
A Shifting Military Landscape
The context of this denial is particularly important given the recent history of US-Chad military cooperation. Earlier, the Pentagon had announced that part of the US military contingent in Chad would be withdrawn, marking a significant shift in the country’s security arrangements. The withdrawal impacted around 75 US personnel who had been stationed in Chad as part of the broader US mission to support counter-terrorism operations in the region.
US forces had been actively working with Chadian authorities to combat extremist threats, particularly from militant groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), both of which have plagued the Lake Chad Basin for years. However, the decision to scale back their presence prompted discussions about the future of US-Chad security cooperation, including whether any troops would return to the country.
US-AFRICOM’s Unconfirmed Plans
The speculation regarding the potential return of US forces to Chad originated from statements made by US General Kenneth Eckman of AFRICOM. According to reports, a senior US military official had suggested that American troops might redeploy to Chad, potentially to bolster regional security efforts or assist in ongoing counter-terrorism initiatives.
These statements were quickly met with opposition from Chadian officials, with Koulamallah denying any requests for the US troops to return. He noted that Chad’s government had not made any formal appeals to Washington for a renewed military presence and rejected any insinuation that such talks were underway.
Koulamallah’s stance underlines Chad’s commitment to independently managing its national security while maintaining its position as a key player in regional military alliances. The country has often been seen as a stronghold for foreign military operations in the Sahel region, yet Chad appears intent on controlling its own military partnerships going forward.
Public Opinion and Regional Dynamics
The issue of foreign military presence in Chad is not limited to the United States. Public sentiment within the country is increasingly focused on the long-standing presence of French troops, who have maintained a military foothold in Chad as part of their ongoing operations in West Africa. France’s role in the region has come under scrutiny in recent years, especially as they have scaled back their operations in other African countries. Chad remains one of the last strongholds for French military involvement, following their withdrawal from nations like Mali and Burkina Faso amid rising anti-French sentiment.
Chad’s former Interior Minister, Ibrahim al Asil, has highlighted that public opinion is more concerned about the French military presence than that of the US. In an interview, al Asil pointed out that the departure of US forces was largely overlooked by Chadian citizens, who have directed their frustrations towards the French forces still operating in the country. “The US forces previously cooperated with the Chadian side in the framework of fighting terrorism and left without returning until now, based on the statements issued by the state,” al Asil explained. He further noted that the Chadian public is increasingly calling for France to reduce its military footprint in Chad, reflecting a broader trend of anti-colonial sentiment in the region.
Chad’s Strategic Future
As Chad navigates its evolving security landscape, the government is likely to focus on strengthening regional partnerships and managing its own military operations more independently. While the fight against terrorism remains a priority for the country, the current administration appears intent on minimizing foreign intervention in favor of maintaining sovereignty and public support.
The rejection of the US troop return underscores Chad’s position on controlling its future security alliances. Whether or not Chad will seek to re-engage with the US militarily remains to be seen, but for now, the government is clear in its message: any decisions on military cooperation will be made in Chad, by Chad.
