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France's relationship with its former colonies has been tumultuous, often punctuated by periods of cooperation followed by demands for withdrawal. Former President Idris Deby of Chad represented a decade-long alliance; however, his son, Mahamat Idris Deby, has favored diversifying security partnerships, contributing to France's withdrawal at a sped-up pace.
Further complicating this is the phenomenon of emerging African leaders who prioritize national sovereignty and have begun to reject foreign military presence altogether, emphasizing a newfound inclination toward self-determination.