U.S. Special Forces Return to Chad Amid Regional Counterterrorism Shifts

The U.S. is redeploying Special Forces to Chad after leaving nearly five months ago at the country’s request. "We have reached an agreement on the return of a limited number of Special Forces personnel," said Maj. General Kenneth Ekman in an exclusive interview with VOA. Chad’s President Mahamat Deby had initially requested the withdrawal ahead of the nation's April presidential elections but has since approved the return.

The U.S. military's renewed presence will be smaller than its previous operation, which helped Chad counter the rise of Boko Haram and Islamic State militants around Lake Chad. "The direction of approach from Chad is immensely important," Ekman explained, noting the importance of Chad in light of the recent U.S. military withdrawal from Niger.

Since recent coups in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali have restricted U.S. military access in the region, countries like Chad, Ivory Coast, and Benin have become pivotal to U.S. counterterrorism strategies. However, Ghana and Nigeria have shown reluctance to host U.S. forces.

The U.S. military’s role in the region is evolving, focusing on fortifying partner forces rather than creating large bases like Niger’s Air Base 201. However, U.S. officials acknowledge that diminished access to West African nations has made monitoring and countering terrorist threats more challenging.

Ekman emphasized that U.S. and Niger’s shared security goals remain intact despite the withdrawal, although the future of their cooperation is uncertain.

Below is a footprint of US Special forces in Africa