Following the recent announcement of troop pullouts from neighboring Niger, the United States has revealed plans to withdraw approximately 75 special forces personnel from Chad. This move, set to commence this weekend, is expected to conclude within days and is part of a broader reassessment of US military presence in the region.

The US maintains around 100 troops in Chad, ostensibly to combat extremism. Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder clarified that the repositioning of forces is temporary, pending a comprehensive review of security cooperation, which will resume following Chad's presidential election on May 6.

However, the legality of US military presence in the Sahel region has come under scrutiny, with neighboring countries questioning its legitimacy. Niger's government had previously announced the termination of a military cooperation agreement with the US, citing the imposition of US military presence as unlawful. Chad has also initiated discussions with the US regarding the cessation of its military presence within the country.

Recent tensions were further exacerbated when Chad's air force chief ordered the US military to cease activities at an air base near the capital, N'Djamena, citing a lack of documentation justifying the US presence. This decision coincides with other diplomatic developments, such as Chad's recent expulsion of the German ambassador, as the country navigates a transition of power following the death of President Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021.