US pulls military personnel from Chadian base due to government's order
Around 60% of US military personnel based in Chad's capital, N'Djamena, have exited the nation and relocated to Germany.
As per earlier reports by CNN, less than 100 US soldiers were stationed in Chad, with the majority serving as part of the US's Special Operations Task Force, which functions as a prominent center for US Special Operations Forces in the region.
Before moving to Chad in 2021, the Special Operations Task Force was installed in Germany.
Pentagon spokesperson Major Pete Nguyen confirmed to CNN on Wednesday that around 60 US service members had safely relocated from Chad to Germany, where they will carry on their assignments. This measure is part of a wider review of America's security cooperation, which will be reinitiated following the May 6 presidential election.
Nguyen stated that the relocation was finalized on Tuesday.
Some US soldiers will continue their mission in the country from the US embassy, alongside the Marines who will carry on ensuring security. Two separate sources acquainted with the matter confirmed this information.
The departure of US troops in Chad happens roughly one month after the Nigerien military government terminated its agreement with the US military, allowing American personnel to operate in the nation. At present, over 1,000 US troops are stationed in Niger, and discussions are underway to organize a secure and orderly withdrawal, with focus on provisions like obtaining clearances for military flights within and outside the country.
The pullout from Chad took place following Chadian authorities sending a note to the US defense attaché in February, demanding that all US forces abandon the French base in N'Djamena. CNN has previously reported this information.
Officials from the defense department and another source with knowledge of the situation conveyed that this disagreement is primarily due to a paperwork issue that should be resolved once Chad's elections are over in April.
However, combined with the recent developments in Niger, this event occurs at a pivotal moment for US interests in Africa. American officials have expressed concerns about the rise of Russian influence across the continent.
In a session with legislators in March, Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, Head of US Africa Command, cautioned that Central African countries are "in a dilemma." They need help from countries like Russia and China but also need to consider the risks to their sovereignty.
"In this region, the stakes are high," Langley commented.
Langley toured Chad during January this year, accompanied by AFRICOM's Senior Enlisted Advisor, Sgt. Maj. Michael Woods. Whilst in the nation, Langley interacted with Chadian military leaders, including Gen. Abakar Abdelkerim Daoud, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, according to an AFRICOM press release at that time.
Langley stated in the release that AFRICOM "remains dedicated to fostering enduring partnerships with Chad and other African nations."
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Source: edition.cnn.com
