Chad Expels Some U.S. Troops Ahead of Presidential Election

The Chadian government has issued a directive to the US military from the country’s air force chief to halt certain activities at an air base near the capital, N’Djamena.

Approximately 75 Army Special Forces personnel stationed in Ndjamena, the capital of Chad, will be repositioned out of the country, according to Pentagon spokesperson Major General Patrick Ryder. This repositioning is characterised as a “temporary step” and is part of an ongoing review of security cooperation with Chad. Major General Ryder emphasised that discussions will resume after Chad’s presidential election scheduled for May 6.

The move signals a significant shift in U.S. military strategy in the region, as Chad has been a key partner in the fight against violent extremism in neighbouring West Africa. The directive to withdraw troops from Chad follows a similar directive in neighbouring Niger, where over 1,000 U.S. military personnel are expected to be withdrawn in the coming months.

Also Read: U.S Base to Close, All U.S. Troops to Leave Niger

Relations between the U.S. and Chad have become strained following a letter from Chad’s air force chief, Idriss Amine Ahmed, to the transitional government, ordering the halt of U.S. activities at the Adji Kossei Air Base. The letter cited the failure of the “Americans” to provide necessary documents justifying their presence at the base.

Chad, a central African nation, has been a crucial partner for both Western and regional militaries in combating violent extremism in the region. The country’s role has become increasingly important following the expulsion of French troops from neighbouring Niger after a military coup last year, as well as similar actions in Mali and Burkina Faso.

The withdrawal of U.S. forces from Chad underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region and reflects broader shifts in U.S. military strategy in Africa and Africa’s strategy in dealing with the U.S military.