France has officially begun its military withdrawal from Chad, with the handover of its first base in Faya-Largeau in the country’s north, French and Chadian military officials confirmed on Thursday.

Chad’s military chief of staff announced that French troops had departed the base, heading 780 kilometers (480 miles) south to the capital, N'Djamena. The withdrawal process, which includes bases in the eastern city of Abeche and the capital, is progressing as per the timeline agreed upon with Chad.

"The handover took place in accordance with the calendar and the conditions agreed with Chad," stated the French military chief of staff.

Last month, Chad abruptly ended its military cooperation with France, its former colonial power. The withdrawal officially began last Friday, just 10 days after French warplanes left the country. Chad’s military reported that an Antonov 124 aircraft departed on Thursday, carrying 70 tonnes of cargo as part of the exit process.

French authorities confirmed that military vehicles would leave by January, with equipment to be repatriated via the Cameroonian port of Douala.

Chad had been a central component of France's military presence in Africa and served as its last foothold in the wider Sahel region after French forces were ousted from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These nations have recently shifted their alliances toward Russia following a series of military coups.

The French withdrawal coincides with Chad’s parliamentary and local elections, scheduled for Sunday. The handover of the Faya-Largeau base marks the beginning of a new phase in Chad’s security strategy as the nation navigates shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region. (ILKHA)