by As a component of its strategy to counter extremism in West Africa, the US currently maintains around 100 troops stationed in Chad.
The United States will withdraw some troops from Chad, the Pentagon has announced, following a recent decision to relocate forces from neighboring Niger. This move is described as temporary and part of an ongoing review of security cooperation, which will resume after Chad’s presidential election on May 6.
Approximately 75 US Army Special Forces personnel are set to be withdrawn starting this weekend, with completion expected within days, pending any last-minute diplomatic developments, as reported by the New York Times, citing US officials. Earlier this month, Chad’s air force chief instructed the US military to cease activities at the Adji Kossei Air Base near the capital, N’Djamena, according to a letter sent to the transitional government and seen by AFP.
The Chadian government spokesperson informed AFP on Friday that while the initial presence of American forces in Chad was driven by a mutual commitment to counter terrorism, concerns have been raised by the Chadian general staff about this presence. In response, the US government has decided to temporarily withdraw its forces from Chad. However, it’s emphasized that this withdrawal does not indicate a cessation of cooperation between the two nations in combating terrorism. Further discussions will explore the possibility of the US forces returning under a specific bilateral agreement.
Neighboring Niger also plays a significant role in US and French efforts to combat jihadists in the region. However, Niger’s ruling military junta announced in March the termination of a military cooperation agreement with Washington, citing imposition and claiming the US troop presence was illegal.
The United States has initiated discussions with Niger on withdrawing over 1,000 US personnel from the country, which hosts a $100-million American drone base. Major General Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, stated that the US will continue exploring options to address potential terrorist threats despite the withdrawal.
General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno took power in Chad following a 2021 coup after the death of his father, Idriss Deby Itno, who ruled the country for over three decades. Amidst an upcoming presidential election, opposition candidates have been banned, and the main rival, Yaya Dillo Djerou, was shot dead in an army assault on his party headquarters.
