Chad's government has announced the termination of its defence cooperation pact with France, a decision that could lead to the withdrawal of French troops from the Central African country. This move marks a significant shift in Chad's security strategy, as it seeks to re-evaluate its relationships with foreign partners in the fight against jihadist insurgency.

In his first public comments since the announcement, Chad's President Mahamat Deby explained that the decision to end the country's military pact with France was driven by its growing irrelevance. Despite over a decade of fighting a jihadist insurgency, support from French and U.S. troops has not succeeded in stabilizing the country. Deby stated that the agreement no longer served Chad's security or geopolitical interests.

The termination of the defence cooperation pact is a significant development in the region's security landscape. Until recently, the West viewed Chad as a key partner in the fight against jihadists in the Sahel. Militants linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State operate in the Lake Chad region, which borders Chad to the southwest. The country's decision to go it alone may have far-reaching implications for regional security and the role of foreign powers in the fight against terrorism.

Chad's decision is not an isolated incident. France has already been forced to withdraw its troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger following military coups and rising anti-French sentiment in those countries. The U.S. is facing a similar situation in the region, having recently been ordered to close a multimillion-dollar spy base in Niger after relations with Washington deteriorated.

Despite the termination of the military pact, Deby emphasized that Chad remains open to cooperating with all partners, including France. This suggests that the country is not entirely closing the door on foreign assistance but rather seeking to re-evaluate its relationships and find more effective ways to address its security challenges.

The implications of Chad's decision are far-reaching, and its effects will likely be felt across the region. As the country navigates this new security landscape, it remains to be seen how its relationships with foreign partners will evolve and what new strategies will emerge to combat the ongoing threat of jihadist insurgency.