French forces continue their disengagement from Chad with the transfer of the Faya military base to Chadian forces on Thursday.
It comes one month after the historic renunciation of the long standing military accord by Ndjamena, which puts an end to more than 60 years of French military presence in the country.
The French military base in Faya was officially handed over to the Chadian defense and security forces on December 26, marking a new step in the withdrawal of French forces from Chad, announced the General Staff of the Chadian Armed Forces.
A handover ceremony was held at Faya airport, accompanied by the departure of an Antonov 124 from Ndjamena carrying more than 70 tonnes of French military equipment.
This transfer is part of Chad’s renunciation of the military cooperation agreement with France on November 28, ending a French military presence in the country since 1960.
On December 10, two of the three Mirages stationed at the Ndjamena airbase had already left Chad, in the presence of the French ambassador and Chadian authorities.
The Chadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abderaman Koulamallah, described this decision as a “historic turning point” for the country, 66 years after the proclamation of the republic, while emphasising that this measure did not call into question “the historical relations and bonds of friendship between the two nations.”
The General Staff of the Chadian Armed Forces indicated that it would communicate shortly on the terms of the transfer of the Abeche and Ndjamena bases.
AC/Sf/fss/as/APA