US Military Withdraws Troops from French Base in Chad: Pentagon Spokesperson

US Military Withdraws Troops from French Base in Chad

The US military has withdrawn troops from a French military base in Chad after the country demanded they leave last month, according to a Pentagon spokesperson and other sources familiar with the matter. More than half of the US troops stationed at the French military base in Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, have now left the country and relocated to Germany.

CNN previously reported that fewer than 100 US troops were stationed in Chad, most of them as part of the US’ Special Operations Task Force, an important hub for US Special Operations Forces in the region. The Special Operations Task Force was previously based in Germany before moving to Chad in 2021.

“We can confirm the safe and orderly relocation of approximately 60 US forces from Chad to Germany where they will continue their work,” Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Pete Nguyen told CNN. “This temporary step is part of an ongoing review of our security cooperation, which will resume after the May 6 Presidential election.”

The withdrawal was completed on Tuesday, with some US forces remaining in the country working out of the US embassy in Chad, in addition to Marines who will continue providing embassy security. The withdrawal from Chad comes after Chadian officials sent a letter to the US defense attaché last month threatening to cancel the Status of Forces Agreement, which determines the rules and conditions under which US military personnel can operate in the country.

The dispute is seen as largely a paperwork issue that will likely be resolved after Chad’s elections this month. The withdrawal of troops in Chad comes at a critical time for US interests in Africa, as American officials have warned that Russian influence is expanding across the continent.

Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, head of US Africa Command, emphasized the importance of partnerships with African nations. Langley visited Chad in January this year and met with Chadian military leaders to strengthen ties between the two countries.

Overall, the withdrawal of US troops from Chad reflects the complex geopolitical landscape in Africa and the ongoing efforts to maintain security cooperation in the region.