France begins military withdrawal from Chad amid declining influence in Sahel

France has initiated its military withdrawal from Chad, starting with the return of two fighter jets to French territory, according to The Guardian.

This move follows Chad's recent announcement to terminate its defense cooperation agreement with France. An estimated 1,000 French troops were stationed in Chad before the decision.

On the same day, Senegalese President MackySall, leader of another former French colony, called for the removal of French military bases from Senegal.

These developments underscore the diminishing influence of France in the Sahel region, which has become a hotspot for escalating jihadist activity.

Over recent years, a series of military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have ousted pro-Western leaders, leading to severed security ties with France.

As France's role diminishes, nations such as China, Turkey, the UAE, and Russia have stepped in to fill the void. Russia, in particular, has reportedly supplied mercenaries to assist in combating Islamic jihadists in the region.