U.S. Military to Resume Talks with Chad on Troop Deployment After Presidential Election

Accra, Ghana - The U.S. military plans to return to Chad for discussions on revising the terms of its troop deployment within the next month, according to U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command.

The announcement was made during the second annual African Maritime Forces Summit in Ghana.

This development follows a recent decision by the U.S. to withdraw most of its approximately 100 troops from Chad after the Chadian government raised legal concerns about their operations.

This move mirrored a similar situation in Niger, where the government ordered the withdrawal of U.S. troops, significantly impacting American military operations in the Sahel—a region plagued by activities of groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State.

General Langley noted that the withdrawal from Chad was intended to be temporary and highlighted that Chad had expressed a desire to continue its security partnership with the United States following the upcoming presidential election.

"We'll come back for discussions within a month to see in what ways, and what they need, to be able to build further in their security construct and also against terrorism," Langley stated.

The presidential election in Chad is scheduled for Monday, with expectations leaning towards a victory for the incumbent.

Chad's interim president, Mahamat Deby Itno, assumed power following the death of his father, who led the country for over three decades and was killed while combating rebels in 2021. Last year, the transitional government, initially set for 18 months, was extended by an additional two years, sparking nationwide protests.

Langley emphasized that the redeployment of U.S. forces was part of a broader review of security cooperation, which is set to resume after Chad’s May 6 presidential election.

The strategic importance of both Chad and Niger has been underscored by their roles in supporting U.S. efforts to counteract violent extremist organizations in the Sahel.

This forthcoming dialogue signifies a critical phase in U.S.-Chadian relations, as both nations aim to fortify their collaboration against regional security threats while addressing the legal and political complexities that have recently strained their partnership.