Russia and Chad deepen ties on Russia Day in N’Djamena

The Russian Embassy in Chad marked Russia Day this month, spotlighting the steady growth of bilateral cooperation between Moscow and N’Djamena in education, security and regional stability.

Diplomatic momentum builds as leaders prepare for October summit

Ambassador Vladimir Sokolenko underscored the robust and equal partnership between Russia and Chad, rooted in shared interests and mutual respect. He noted that President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno has been invited to the upcoming Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow this October, following the Chadian leader’s official visit to Russia in early 2024. The two presidents last met bilaterally on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September, where Foreign Minister Dr Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul and Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov discussed ways to expand cooperation.

High-level exchanges have intensified over the past two years. In June 2024, Minister Lavrov made the first Russian foreign ministerial visit to Chad in six decades, reaffirming commitment to joint priorities such as UN Security Council reform. Both nations advocate for a more inclusive international system that amplifies Africa’s voice and resources, echoing UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ call for sweeping global reforms.

Security and education remain key pillars of cooperation

The two countries are collaborating on regional security initiatives, including police training programs for Chadian officers preparing for UN peacekeeping missions. They also support the creation of new security mechanisms across Central Africa and the Sahel, prioritizing regional ownership and stability.

Education remains the flagship sector of partnership. Russia currently offers 360 scholarships annually to Chadian students, with plans to expand the quota and streamline recruitment. The “Professionalisation” project, which combines vocational training with production hubs, is gaining traction among Chadian youth. Negotiations are underway between the two countries’ vocational education ministries to tailor programs to Chad’s workforce needs.

Economic independence and regional influence

Moscow supports N’Djamena’s push within the African Union to diversify regional payment systems and explore alternatives to the CFA franc. The Chadian government has welcomed Russian expertise in building resilient infrastructure and strengthening national sovereignty.

The commemorations in N’Djamena brought together senior diplomats, including Chad’s Secretary General for Foreign Affairs, regional envoys and local officials. Ambassador Sokolenko concluded that Russia and Chad share a vision of balanced, mutually beneficial cooperation that serves the interests of both peoples, with strong potential for future growth.