Turkey Expands Military Presence in Chad Following French Withdrawal

Following France's recent withdrawal from eastern Chad, Turkey is poised to take control of the military base in Abéché, formerly used by French forces. This move marks Turkey's latest effort to expand its military presence in Africa, filling the strategic void left by France.
Reports from Turkish and Chadian sources indicate that Turkey has already stationed drones near the Faya-Largeau base, close to Chad's border with Libya. The Turkish news outlet TRT Haber confirmed that Chadian authorities officially granted Turkey control over the Abéché base under an agreement finalized in mid-January, following negotiations between Turkey's ambassador in N'Djamena and Chadian officials.
Turkey has supplied Chad with Bayraktar drones and stationed military advisors and personnel from Turkish companies at the Faya-Largeau base. Consequently, the Turkish Armed Forces will operate two military bases in Chad, near the borders with Libya and Sudan.
Local sources reported that Turkey is preparing to occupy the Abéché and Faya-Largeau bases following the French withdrawal. Turkish specialists have already deployed UAVs in the vicinity of Faya-Largeau.
In summary, Turkish sources confirm that Chadian authorities provided Ankara with the Abéché base as part of an agreement concluded after recent talks between the Turkish ambassador to N'Djamena and local officials.