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U.S. troops to leave Chad, as another African state reassesses ties

Dozens of American personnel will leave the Central African nation, at least temporarily, as the two governments negotiate their security agreement

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April 25, 2024 at 6:34 p.m. EDT
In this handout photo from the U.S. military, Chadian Special Forces soldiers receive marksmanship training in Massaguet, Chad, in 2017. (Sgt. Derek Hamilton/U.S. Africa Command)
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LIVINGSTONE, Zambia — Dozens of American military personnel are expected to withdraw from Chad in coming days, three senior U.S. officials said Thursday, amid a broader, involuntary reconfiguration of Washington’s security policy in a volatile part of Africa.

The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss military movements, said the repositioning could be temporary as the United States intends to negotiate with Chad about their security relationship — including potentially returning the troops who departed — following the country’s presidential elections May 6.