With the era of neocolonialism being over, it is time for Chad to assert its sovereignty, Evariste Ngarlem Toldé, a political scientist, told Sputnik Africa, commenting on the recent decision by Chad and Senegal to request the withdrawal of French troops from their territory.
He highlighted that the local population responded positively to this move.
"I believe that people want to diversify their relations. The very longevity of French control over African territory – and French-speaking in particular – means that it is French-speaking countries that are increasingly poor. And this, while the subsoil is full of inestimable wealth," Toldé said.
The political scientist stressed that it's time for France to pass the baton.
"Many partners are knocking on the doors of African countries. We have Russia, we have Turkey, we have China, we have other countries that want to help Chad," the expert stated.
He also recalled the recent events in the western part of the country, where the French army is stationed with its military assets. Toldé noted that the French army did not intervene during or even warn of the imminent Boko Haram infiltration.
In 2022 and 2023, the French military was already forced to leave the territories of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, which, like Senegal and Chad, gained independence from France in 1960.