Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Africa.
Déby Deepens Ties with Moscow While Maintaining Western Alliances
Chad, traditionally a close ally of France, is now skillfully balancing its relationships between Russia and Western partners, a move that is causing concern in Paris and Washington. Under President Mahamat Déby, the country has deepened ties with Moscow, while maintaining key partnerships with France and the US.
Strengthening Relations with Russia
In recent months, Chad has taken steps to build its relationship with Russia, sparking unease among its Western allies. President Déby’s visit to the Kremlin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s visit to N’Djamena highlight this growing bond. The opening of a Russian cultural center in Chad’s capital signals an interest in developing cultural and media ties, which could serve as a gateway for broader cooperation.
Chadian officials have floated the idea of a military partnership with Moscow, though no official agreements have been reached. This strategy mirrors Russia’s approach in other West African nations, where Moscow has used cultural and information campaigns to promote anti-Western sentiment.
Western Concerns Over Growing Russian Influence
For France and the US, Chad’s strategic importance cannot be overstated. France maintains a major military base in N’Djamena, while the US has a smaller special forces presence. However, recent shifts in Chad’s foreign policy have caused unease. Déby recently requested the departure of US forces before his election in May, only to agree to their return after the vote.
Western powers are wary of Chad following the path of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where military regimes have ousted Western forces in favor of closer ties with Russia. With Russia’s presence growing in neighboring countries like Sudan, Libya, and the Central African Republic, Western leaders are concerned about losing another key ally in the region.
Déby’s Leverage with the West
Chad’s President Déby has effectively used his country’s strategic location and relationships with the West to his advantage. Despite frustrations with France and the US, such as judicial probes into corruption and perceived support for his political rivals, Déby continues to engage with both Moscow and Western powers.
While France and the US hope that Déby’s relationship with Russia remains a useful diplomatic tool rather than a full pivot away from the West, the situation highlights the shifting dynamics in Africa as countries like Chad leverage global rivalries to maximize their influence and options on the international stage.
