The criticism stems from comments made by President Macron during a recent address to French ambassadors, where he stated that “none of them [African nations] would exist as sovereign nations today if the French army had not been deployed in this region.”
In a strongly worded statement, the Chadian government rejected these assertions, emphasizing that Africa, including Chad, played a crucial role in the liberation of France. The statement further criticized the insufficient recognition of the sacrifices made by African soldiers, who often go unacknowledged despite their significant contributions to global security.
The Chadian government also highlighted the resilience and courage of the Chadian people in building their own military, dismissing the notion that it was solely dependent on French support.
The statement called on France to respect the aspirations of African nations for autonomy and independence, emphasizing that past French interventions were often driven by strategic interests rather than a genuine desire to foster sustainable development in Africa.
This statement comes amid the ongoing withdrawal of French forces from Chad, following the termination of military agreements between the two countries in November 2024.
The Chadian government’s strong rebuke of President Macron’s comments underscores the growing sentiment among many African nations seeking to assert their sovereignty and pursue independent foreign policies.
CA/ac/sf/lb/abj/APA