On 13 October 2026, Emmanuel Macron and Mahamat Idriss Déby marked a decisive turning point in Franco-Chadian relations with the signing of a declaration of intent on defence cooperation. Following the withdrawal of French troops from Chad and the ruptures with several Sahelian countries, this initiative crystallises the determination of Paris and N’Djamena to rebuild their partnership. The accusations made by Niger after the events of 28 and 29 August add a sensitive dimension to this regional recomposition.
A fresh start for Franco-Chadian ties
The relationship between France and Chad is opening a new chapter. Received at the Élysée on Tuesday 13 October 2026 by Emmanuel Macron, Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby took part in a meeting that formally restores relations between the two countries. At the end of the talks, the defence ministers of both states signed a declaration of intent designed to structure and develop their cooperation in the field of defence.
This announcement comes nearly two years after N’Djamena’s decision, in November 2024, to end its military cooperation agreement with France. The withdrawal of French forces and the return of their facilities, completed in early 2025, put an end to the permanent French military presence in Chad, the country that served as the strategic linchpin for French operations in Africa.
After the withdrawal, the shape of a new partnership
The declaration of 13 October establishes a cooperation framework focused on training, expertise, industry and technology, with the aim of directly boosting the capabilities of the Chadian armed forces.
For Paris, this development is part of the redefinition of its African partnerships, following the military departures from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Those ruptures reduced the French presence in the Sahel and signalled the end of the cooperation model based on permanent military arrangements.
Chad is a central partner. Its geographical position, close to war-torn Sudan, Libya and the Lake Chad basin, places it at the heart of security challenges. Border surveillance, the fight against armed groups and the strengthening of its army’s operational capabilities are the pillars that give this cooperation a regional scope.
The resumption of dialogue with N’Djamena marks the adoption of a new formula, based on needs defined by the Chadian authorities and on strict bilateral cooperation.
Niger, a delicate diplomatic equation
This relaunch comes in a regional climate marked by tensions between Paris and Niamey. On the night of 28 to 29 August 2026, an orchestrated destabilisation attempt took place in Niamey, notably around Air Base 101.
The Nigerien government implicated France and several foreign actors, including Chad, in this attempted mutiny. Paris rejected those statements.
The geographical proximity between Chad and Niger gives this affair particular importance. The two countries share concerns related to regional security, but their diplomatic orientations and their relations with external partners differ.
Under these conditions, the rapprochement between Paris and N’Djamena is drawing the attention of Nigerien authorities. The Franco-Chadian declaration defines exclusively the bilateral framework between Paris and N’Djamena.
The objective is to structure cooperative relations in a region where military presence is a major political issue and where governments apply strict autonomy in their strategic choices.
Beyond defence, the development challenge
The meeting of 13 October also recorded economic and cultural progress. The two presidents committed to developing their relations for the benefit of businesses and populations. This orientation gives concrete form to the rapprochement dynamic set in motion during 2026, after several months of bilateral tensions.
The economic component consolidates the relationship, particularly in key sectors: infrastructure, energy, health, transport and education. For both governments, the priority is to move beyond a cooperation historically dominated by military issues and to give a central place to investment and trade.
This ambition responds to major challenges. In Chad, needs in terms of development, employment and public services are priorities. At the same time, conflicts in neighbouring countries affect stability and available resources. Security cooperation is therefore accompanied by direct actions responding to the needs of populations.
A test for French diplomacy in the Sahel
The declaration of intent signed in Paris constitutes a major political step, followed by precise commitments in terms of training, transfers of expertise, technological cooperation and operational support.
For Emmanuel Macron, the repositioning consists of rebuilding the relationship with Chad in a renewed form. For Mahamat Idriss Déby, it is about strengthening his country’s capabilities while retaining full control over its strategic choices.
The Franco-Chadian rapprochement materialises the redeployment and redefinition of France’s role in a region where diplomatic and security balances are evolving.
After the military withdrawals and past tensions, Paris and N’Djamena are starting afresh. This renewed partnership reconciles the interests of both states, meets regional security requirements and asserts itself in the face of the diplomatic tensions running through the Sahel.
