France, Djibouti extend defense alliance amid strategic shifts
Date
7/25/2024 8:53:38 AM
(MENAFN) On Wednesday, French President Emmanuel macron and Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh convened at the Elysee Palace, where they finalized an agreement to renew their defense partnership after two years of negotiations. The renewed agreement involves a comprehensive overhaul of the defense cooperation treaty that regulates the French military's presence in Djibouti. This treaty is crucial as it governs the deployment of 1,500 French troops in the country, representing the largest French military contingent stationed outside France.
The Elysee Palace noted that the revised treaty not only strengthens the bilateral ties between France and Djibouti but also aligns with their mutual strategic goals. Although the French presidency has yet to officially confirm the signing of the updated agreement, the renewed partnership signifies a substantial commitment to sustaining strong defense cooperation. This agreement is particularly significant given France's plans to reduce its military footprint in West and Central Africa, where it intends to cut its forces to a few hundred troops in response to recent challenges in the Sahel region.
This extension of the defense partnership highlights the strategic importance both countries place on their relationship, particularly in the face of shifting military priorities and regional dynamics. The renewed treaty is expected to play a key role in maintaining stability and addressing security concerns within the region, while France recalibrates its broader military strategy in Africa.
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