Chad Suspends U.S. Military Activities Over Lack of Documentation

Chad's air force chief has demanded the suspension of U.S. military activities at an air base near the capital N'Djamena after American personnel failed to provide documents justifying their presence. In a statement dated April 4, Brig. Gen. Idriss Amine Ahmed ordered the immediate halt of operations by U.S. forces at the Adji Kossei Air Base.

The letter from the Chadian Air Force Chief of Staff, addressed to the U.S. military attaché in Chad last week, threatened to cancel the status-of-forces agreement that sets out the conditions for the presence of U.S. troops at a French military base in N'Djamena. It specifically singled out the special operations working group located at the base.

While the exact number of U.S. military personnel in Chad is unknown, one official stated it is fewer than 100. The U.S. has a small rotational troop presence in the country, focused primarily on planning tasks for the region.

Why this matters: This development comes almost a month after military authorities in neighboring Niger announced they were canceling a military agreement with the United States, which allowed the presence of American troops on the country's soil. The potential loss of access and basing in both Niger and Chad could significantly degrade the U.S. military's capabilities in the Sahel region, especially in the face of increased Russian pressure in the area.

Chad is set to be the first of West and Central Africa's junta-ruled countries to organize a presidential election on May 6. The U.S. is currently in ongoing conversations with Chadian officials about the future of their security partnership. As one U.S. official noted, "We are in active discussions with Chadian leadership on this issue."

Key Takeaways

• Chad's air force chief demands suspension of U.S. military activities at air base.
• Chad threatens to cancel status-of-forces agreement with U.S. troops at French base.
• Fewer than 100 U.S. troops in Chad, focused on regional planning tasks.
• Loss of access in Niger and Chad could degrade U.S. military capabilities in Sahel.
• Chad to hold presidential election on May 6, U.S. in talks with Chadian officials.