Talks will focus on the future of relations between France and Chad, with the stated aim of building a renewed and mutually beneficial partnership, according to a statement from the French presidency.
The meeting comes after a prolonged diplomatic chill triggered by NDjamenas decision to end a long-standingdefence agreementwith France.
Chads presidency struck a conciliatory note earlier this week following talks between Dby and the French ambassador, saying it wanted to redefine cooperation with Paris so that it is better adapted to todays challenges.
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From rupture to recalibration
Relations began to deteriorate in mid-2024 and reached a breaking point whenChadformally terminated its military cooperation agreement with France at the end of November that year.
The move led to the complete withdrawal of French troops from the country under Dbys leadership.
Chad had been Frances last military foothold in theSahel, a region where Paris once deployed more than 5,000 soldiers as part of its anti-jihadistOperation Barkhane, which itself ended in November 2022.
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Tensions were further inflamed in January 2025 when Macrons remarks about the ingratitude of African countries towards the French army prompted a sharp response from Dby.
The rift had already been deepened months earlier when French courts opened an investigation into the Chadian leader over alleged misappropriation of public funds and concealment, notably linked to expenses incurred in Paris.
Shifting diplomatic landscape
Propelled to power following thedeath of his father, Idriss Dby Itno, in April 2021, Mahamat Idriss Dby Itno consolidated his position by winning the presidential election in May 2024 a vote that was contested by the opposition.
As relations with Paris cooled, NDjamena moved swiftly to diversify its international partnerships, strengthening ties with the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Russia.
The Chadian president has also shown a willingness to engage across the French political spectrum,receiving Marine Le Penof Frances far-right National Rally party, during a visit to NDjamena in March.
(with newswires)
Originally published on RFI
