The French military has announced that two fighter jets and a transport aircraft will make a stopover in Chad in the coming days, where they are expected to take part in training exercises.
The planned visit is seen as another sign of improving relations between the two countries, which experienced a major diplomatic setback in 2024 when Chad ended its decades long security agreement with France and ordered French forces to leave the country.
Ties have gradually improved in recent months, particularly after French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Chadian leader Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno for talks in mid October.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Xavier Rival, spokesman for the French Chief of Defence Staff, confirmed that military cooperation between both countries had resumed.
He stressed that the renewed partnership would fully respect Chad’s sovereignty, adding that France remained interested in supporting efforts to address security challenges and instability across the region.
Rival also explained that the French armed forces would help strengthen the operational capabilities of the Chadian Air Force as part of the renewed cooperation.
The latest development suggests that both governments are seeking a fresh basis for working together after the breakdown of their long standing military relationship.
