Paper short abstract:

Presented as constitutive elements of a multifaceted strategic partnership, relations between Chad, a Sahelian State, and France are not outside of questioning. To what extent can these ties be considered as a pragmatic interdependence and/or a distinct form of Françafrique?

Paper long abstract:

The various regimes that ruled Chad, a vast Sahelian state with a very strategic position and a rich subsoil, maintained more than “cordial” relations with the former colonial power, France. The latter did not hesitate to intervene militarily to fly to the aid of more than one Chadian regime, especially through its military bases on Chadian soil.

Nowadays, taking advantage of the particular security context of the Sahel, Chad is establishing its status as a "very privileged" partner of France in its war against terrorism. N'Djamena's support for France, in this case with soldiers experienced in combat, played a decisive role in the fight against jihadist movements in the Sahelian zone.

In return, Chad has always been able to count on the support of France, which pleads for its cause before continental (European Union) and international (UN, IMF, WB etc.) bodies. France does not hesitate to come directly to Chad’s aid in its many economic crises which result from poor management of public affairs.

At first glance, one has the impression that the Franco-Chadian "amity”, in this particular security context, is based on the principle of a pragmatic relationship serving the crucial interests of the two States, thus a classic interdependence. But if we try to analyse more profoundly, many ambiguous aspects will emerge that could fall under Françafrique in its extreme forms.

Adopting an interdisciplinary contemporary approach, my paper will focus on the complex relations between France and Chad on various levels.