Chad and Senegal Want To Break Military Ties With France

 

Chad has announced it will no longer be part of the defense cooperation agreement with France. Senegal also announced it intends to expel French soldiers from its territory. An estimated 1,000 troops are present in Chad. Senegal does have French military bases. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye expressed the change in position as Senegal asserting its national sovereignty. The Senegalese president was elected to office with the goal drastic political change. President Mahamat Deby being the strongman of Chad, no longer wants to follow the dictates of France. His ambition could be to have more influence in Sudan and South Sudan. Breaking military ties with France shows that President Mahamat Deby is not a puppet to a foreign power. President Deby is showing that he  is going to be a longtime authoritarian leader in the region. France was forced out of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Military coups were the reaction to rage regarding France's occupation and being a destabilizing force. France could either attempted to undermine Chad or Senegal through armed groups or terrorist organizations. Another alternative would be to try to create a sphere of influence between Algeria and Morocco. This would be halted due to the fact both Algeria and Morocco disagree with the status of the Western Sahara. Algeria tends to favor its independence and most of the African continent is moving to that political position. Chad and Senegal could align closer to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The developments might not be a rise of Pan-African consciousness, but a repudiation of French interference in the affairs of the Sahel region.     

Mahamat Deby Consolidates Power In Chad

Chad held a  presidential election. The outcome was as most observers predicted with military ruler Mahamat Deby winning most of the vote. The legitimacy has been questioned by political opposition. Chad is transforming into a country of dynastic rule. Although a military regime it has similarities to Togo and Gabon. One family is going to rule Chad for a number of years. If Idriss Deby was not killed by rebels he would still be president. The rule of the Deby's began in 1990. Chad continues to be an ally of France. However, with the French exit from Mali and Niger a void will grow. Chad could become a more powerful regional player in the Sahel. President Mahamat Deby might establish closer diplomatic relations with Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali. A common enemy of rebel groups and terrorist organization would bring these countries together in an alliance. According to the results Mahamat won 61.3 % of the vote. The dispute was that the elections were not free or fair. African Union observers were not present. President Mahamat Deby does not have absolute control. He remains reliant on a ruling coalition. The military has immense influence over government. Algeria and Egypt also have this obstacle and at times coups occurred. If Mahamat maintains the support of the military his leadership will be secured. The 2022 crackdown forced some Chadians to flee abroad. Those suspected of involvement  in the assassination of Idriss Deby are among the Chadians that left. Most assume that foreign policy and internal matters will remain the same. Developments in Sudan and the relations with France will force a change in direction. Chad's transformation into a dynastic based system of government is the most noticeable.  

 

Sudanese Refugees Flee To Chad, Egypt, and Kenya

 

The conflict in Sudan has created refugees. Simultaneously, Darfur has seen an escalation resulting in large numbers of Sudanese escaping to Chad. Other destinations of refugees are Egypt and Kenya. The fight between the RSF and the Sudanese Military will spread across borders. The outbreaks of ethnic violence and war have been seen in Ethiopia. That came to a peaceful resolution without balkanization. Sudan appears to be tearing itself apart. Darfur has been a challenge since 2003. South Sudan gained independence in 2011, but had internal confrontation. The power void left by the Omar Al-Bashir regime was followed by a series of coups. The civilians are caught in the middle of warring armed factions. The United Nations has not made serious proposals for peace. Sudanese might face a more difficult time in Egypt. The border dispute between Egypt and Sudan could be exacerbated by the status of the conflict. Sudanese in Egypt could become scapegoats or subject to xenophobic sentiment. Egypt does not provide shelters or camps for refugees. Racial prejudice against the 4 million Sudanese migrants can no longer be hidden. The added incoming refugees will be used as a distraction from economic concerns of the nation. Kenya does have refugee camps, however conditions are poor. The camps in Kenya also have refugees from Somalia and South Sudan. Crowding and public health concerns make life difficult for refugees. Kenya could respond by either shutting its borders or getting involved in Sudan. The approach that Kenya took in Somalia should not be replicated in Sudan. The only solution would be an African Union effort to develop a peace settlement. If this does not happen refugees will continue to come to Kenya, Chad, and Egypt.  

Chad Has Nationalized All Assets of Exxon Mobil

 

Chad has nationalized Exxon Mobil assets. The oil company divested in Chad around December of 2022. The current policy also applies to exploration and production authorizations. Hydrocarbon permits will are also subject to nationalization. The change in policy came from the reaction to the Savannah Energy deal. Chad felt Exxon Mobil was not upholding  previous obligations under their agreements. Courts may get involved to prevent Savannah Energy from making purchases of assets in Chad. This has also effected Cameroon, which has worked with Chad in the energy sector. A Chad-Cameroon pipeline has been planned for construction. The Doba oil project was designed to make Chad produce larger amounts of oil. It contains seven oil fields and produces 28,000 barrel per day. The government wants a better deal, which benefits the economy. Savannah Energy stated it will take the assets under the Exxon Agreement. Savannah Energy is a British company active in Niger and Nigeria. The fear from the company is that other African nations will nationalize assets. According to their statement it intends to use the ICC to pursue legal rights. If Chad can successfully fight the legal claims, it may get back control of its own economic policy. Oil can generate much wealth. If  the wealth is not applied to development or increasing the standard of living it means nothing. Exploitation by foreign corporations of Africa's natural resources remains common. Nationalization might be a method of preventing such an occurrence.  

Chad Strengthens Ties With Israel

 

Chad and Israel are undergoing a process of normalizing relations. Chad has decided to open its embassy in the country. The process of normalizing relations began five years ago. The development is a bizarre one considering Israel's history of anti-black racism. Ethiopian and Somali immigrants have been subject to abuse. Chad broke off relations with Israel in 1972. At the time the Organization for African Unity promoted solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Now it appears some African states are making a foreign policy shift. Chad's motivations are more apparent. Mahamet Deby wants to ensure his regime's survival. After inheriting the presidency from his father external support from other countries ensures he can maintain power. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to present an image of reaching out to Muslim and African countries. An attempt is being make to Israel look better when it still engages in racism and human rights abuse. Logically, it would make sense for him to aid authoritarian regimes in Africa . Morocco and Sudan have already signed normalization agreements with Israel. Chad probably will not benefit from these bilateral agreements. Chad suffered under French colonization and some would think they would have more sympathy to the Palestinian  cause. Some resources report that the Mossad had a role in keeping diplomatic relations alive. Niger could follow Chad's example. The new diplomatic relations are not to the benefit of African states. Rather, it is a means of Israel to extend power and influence in Africa.    

Anti-French Protests In Chad

 

Chad has erupted in protests against France. Frustration has grown over the military control of government and French influence over internal affairs. Chadians are seeing their government as a puppet regime to Paris and now are taking action. The Transitional Military Council has the full support of France. Chad has been an essential partner in the country's attempt to establish a sphere of influence in Africa. Since the death of President Idriss Deby the Chad has been in a state of discord.  French linked  businesses were attacked in N' Djamena. The real power in the country has been concentrated in Mahamat Idriss. Son of the former president, he has not made any decrees about returning to a civilian government. The targets of attacks were petrol stations operated by the French company Total Energies.  France has troops in West Africa under the excuse of fighting terrorism. While armed conflict has been present in West Africa, a French military presence does not help. Chad hosts a  French military base in Chad's capital N' Djamena. Rumors have been circulating that France was intending to build more. Currently there is  estimated to be  1,000 French troops at the base. Occupation is a catalyst for terrorism and protests. The demand to expel the French, have democratic reforms, and basic rights is growing. The Transitional Military Council can only survive with French assistance. Mahamat Idriss might be slowly making his way to consolidate power through repression and French aid. This will not deter the demonstrations, which have been happening since 2021. 

Former Chadian President Hissene Habre has died

 

The former president of Chad has died of COVID-19. Hissene  Habre  was serving time in prison for crime against humanity during his rule from 1982 to 1990. The regime was supported by both the US and France. The reason why he was important to both countries was that Chad was fighting a war against Libya. The Ronald Reagan administration was seeking Qaddafi's removal and  using Chad was a means of carrying out that objective. Chad was fighting Libya for control of the Aouzou Strip. France and the US had interest due to the area having being rich in uranium deposits. The Chadian-Libyan conflict became another part of Cold War conflict. As the US got more aggressive with Libya, its diplomatic ties to the Soviet Union grew. Although Chad retained control of the Aouzou Strip and won the war, Habre's rule did not survive. He was deposed by Idriss Deby in 1990. The controversy around his trial was that he was the first former  head of state to be convicted for human rights abuse in another nation. His trial was in Senegal not Chad. Before, there were other attempts to have him stand trial. No French or American officials have been brought to justice for their role in the Chadian-Libyan conflict. Habre leaves behind a legacy of oppression, support for neocolonial imperial interests, and war crimes.  

Chadian President Idriss Deby Has Been Killed By Rebels

 

The longtime president of Chad has been killed by rebels. This comes after it was announced to serve his sixth term as president of the African country. Idriss Deby came to power in 1990 through a rebellion against the Hissene Habre regime. President Idriss Deby was one of Africa's longest serving leaders. Under his leadership reforms were limited and the same authoritarian structure remained in place. Chad's military involvement in other neighboring countries is disturbing its internal security. Chad has been a partner in France's campaign to combat terrorism in Africa. Although Deby was allied to EU countries, Chad had diplomatic relations with China. Chad is of interest to due to its large oil reserves and cotton production . Many times his regime was saved from revolt through French military assistance. The army announced Deby's death, naming his son as a successor. This is seen as a coup rather than a constitutional transfer of power. Mahamat Deby the son of   Idriss is a commander in the Chadian Army. He was commander of the UN peacekeeping forces in Mali. The rebels intend to take the capital, but this may not be so simple considering Mahamat's military experience. There are growing fears that N' Djamena will become a battle ground. Little evidence exists to suggest Idriss Deby was assassinated  or victim of a conspiratorial plot. The official narrative was that he was visiting soldiers on the frontline and was slain from a sudden attack. The death of Deby will have an impact on Nigeria, Cameroon, and Niger. Those nations established a strong military alliance to fight rebel factions and terrorist organizations. Idriss Deby promised peace and security to Chad, but instead engaged in military interventions. Sudan, Libya, and the African Central Republic saw the involvement of Chadian soldiers in protracted  conflicts. His legacy will be one of war and violence.