In a strategic move, Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in high-level talks with Chadian leader Mahamat Idriss Deby at the Kremlin. This meeting marks a pivotal shift as Chad, traditionally aligned with a pro-Western stance, now finds itself at the center of Russia's outreach in Africa's Sahel region.
Russia, aiming to diminish France's influence, the former colonial power in West Africa and the Sahel, seeks to strengthen ties with nations affected by a series of coups since 2020. President Deby assumed power in Chad in 2021, succeeding his father after a coup. Initially promising an 18-month transition to elections, the junta later postponed them until October of the current year.
In a concise televised statement, Putin expressed satisfaction with Deby's efforts in stabilizing Chad and pledged Russian support. The Kremlin transcript revealed Putin's optimism about the "great opportunities to develop bilateral ties," announcing an increase in the quota for Chadian students studying at Russian universities.
Deby's visit follows the recent Moscow trip of Niger's prime minister, also appointed by a junta after a 2023 coup. Russia's interest in Niger intensified post-coup, as the country shifted away from its pro-Western stance. Similar dynamics unfolded in Burkina Faso, where military governments, post-coups, leaned towards Russia instead of France.
Chad, once considered a stronghold of French influence in Africa, presents a unique challenge to Moscow, as its sway in the country has historically been less pronounced compared to neighboring nations. Notably, Russian influence in Mali and the Central African Republic was initially facilitated by the Wagner Group mercenary army, led by the influential businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin, a onetime Putin ally.