Troops to be Withdrawn from Chad by U.S.
TL/DR –
The Pentagon plans to withdraw about 75 Special Forces personnel from Chad in response to demands from African governments to renegotiate the rules under which U.S. military personnel operate. This comes a week after the Biden administration revealed they will withdraw more than 1,000 U.S. military personnel from Niger in the coming months. These decisions have been influenced by both Chad and Niger’s desire for terms that favor their interests, as well as them turning away from the U.S. towards partnerships with Russia.
US Withdraws Special Operation Forces from Chad amid Security Policy Shifts
The Pentagon confirmed on Thursday that they will recall dozens of Special Operations forces from Chad, marking a significant setback to America’s security policy in West and Central Africa. This decision comes after the Biden administration’s announcement to withdraw more than 1,000 U.S. military personnel from Niger.
The withdrawal of about 75 Army Special Forces from Ndjamena, Chad’s capital, is a response to renegotiation demands from the African governments regarding U.S. military operations. Both Chad and Niger seek terms that favor their interests more. U.S. officials are hopeful to reopen security cooperation discussions after Chad’s elections on May 6.
Niger, alongside Mali and Burkina Faso, is diversifying security partnerships, with some seeking closer ties with Russia. The U.S warned Chad’s president last year about Russian mercenaries plotting against him and the Kremlin’s growing influence within Chad’s ruling elite.
US Military Advisers Leaving Chad Amid Security Agreement Threats
The forthcoming departure of the U.S. military advisers from Chad was triggered by a letter from the Chadian government perceived as an end threat to a critical security agreement with the U.S. The letter encompassed a Special Operations task force that operates from a Chadian military base, serving as a significant hub for coordinating U.S. military training missions in the region.
Around 75 Green Berets from the 20th Special Forces Group are not affected by the withdrawal decision. The letter came as a surprise to American diplomats and military officers, as it was not sent through official diplomatic channels.
Chad’s Letter Could be a Negotiation Tactic
U.S officials believe the letter reported by CNN might be a negotiation pressure from some military and government members to secure a more favorable agreement before the May elections. Unlike the departure from Niger, withdrawal from Chad could be temporary while diplomats analyze if a new agreement could be reached.
U.S. Africa Command is planning to reposition some forces from Chad, with the troop departure scheduled to begin this weekend and finish by May 1. Despite France’s larger military presence in Chad, the U.S has also relied heavily on the country as a security partner.
Chad’s Significant Role in Regional Security
Chad has been a pivotal partner in combating Boko Haram, hosting U.S military exercises and maintaining one of the best-trained and equipped presidential guards in the Sahel. General Langley, the head of U.S. Africa Command, reiterated during his visit to Chad in January a dedication to building enduring partnerships to address mutual security concerns in the region.
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