The last batch of French troops on Saturday departed Abéché base, its second military base in Chad.

According to AFP, the handover of the base was done in a ceremony attended by Issaka Malloua Djamouss, defence minister.

The exit of the soldiers numbering about 100 marks the end of France’s military presence in the Central African country.

French troops have been stationed in Chad since the country gained independence in 1960, providing military training and air support against rebels.

The troops began exiting Chad in December, with a January 31 deadline for total withdrawal after the country suddenly decided to end military cooperation with France, its former colonial master.

In December, Faya base was handed over to the Chadian government following the withdrawal of a contingent of 120 soldiers.

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“Today marks the handover of the Abeche base,” Djamouss said during the ceremony.

He described the move as a key step “leading to the final and total withdrawal of this army in our country”.

Djamouss added that the January 31 deadline is “imperative, irreversible and non-negotiable”.

Earlier in the week, while speaking at an annual conference on foreign policy for 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron said Sahel leaders did not appreciate France for fighting terrorism in the region.

The president described Sahelian leaders as ungrateful.