Strengthening cooperation between France and Chad
Meeting at the Élysée between Macron and Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno
French President Emmanuel Macron and Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno met at the Élysée Palace to discuss strengthening bilateral relations, with a particular focus on the economic, military and cultural fields. The meeting took place ahead of the Francophonie Summit.
France’s commitments to Chad
During this meeting, Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Chad in its economic and social development efforts. The French President stressed the importance of the strategic partnership between the two countries, recalling Paris’s desire to support Chad in achieving its priorities.
Political transition and military situation in Chad
The two heads of state also discussed the ongoing political transition in Chad, including the next steps to be taken following the election of Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno last May. Furthermore, Emmanuel Macron reiterated the importance of maintaining a French military presence in Chad, albeit adjusted, in a context of redefinition of alliances in the Sahel region.
Support for climate disasters
In addition to political and military issues, President Macron pledged that France would continue to support Chad in the event of natural disasters, as it recently did in the face of devastating floods that hit the country, causing more than 500 deaths and affecting more than 1.7 million people.
Conclusion
This meeting between Presidents Macron and Déby Itno marks a new stage in Franco-Chadian cooperation, with a strengthened commitment in several key areas. This strategic partnership, which extends beyond military issues to include economic and climate issues, underlines France’s desire to maintain strong relations with Chad, particularly during this period of transition.
