page_title: Chad–France relations
section_title: French Colonialism
hierarchical_section_title: Chad–France relations / History / French Colonialism
caption_attribution_description: Charles de Gaulle is welcomed to Chad by Govenor-General Félix Adolphe Éboué (December 26, 1884 - March 17, 1944) of Free French Africa. Governor-General Eboue, a native of French Guiana, was the first black colonial governor in Africa. As governor of the Chad colony, he was the first African leader to rally to the Free French cause. Created and published between 1939 and 1944. Part of the Farm Security Administration - Office of War Information Photograph Collection (Library of Congress).
context_page_description: Chad–France relations refers to the diplomatic relations between the Republic of Chad and the French Republic. France controlled Chad beginning in 1900 until the country's independence in 1960. Both nations are today members of the Francophonie and the United Nations.
context_section_description: During the Partition of Africa France entered the territory of Chad in the late 1890s. In April 1900, France fought against the warlord Rabih az-Zubayr and his forces to control the territory and succeeded in defeating Rabih's forces at the Battle of Kousséri. After the battle, France took control of the Chadian territory (Territoire du Tchad) and incorporated as a French colony under the federation of French Equatorial Africa in 1910.
  In January 1939, France appointed Félix Éboué as the first Governor of Chad and first black Governor of a French colony. As Governor, Éboué would align the territory of Chad to Free France after German occupation of the country and German controlled Vichy France. In October 1940, Free French General Charles de Gaulle paid a visit to Chad and meet with Éboué in Fort-Lamy (present date N'Djamena). During World War II Chadian soldiers partook in the fighting for the Liberation of Paris. France also created two regiments during the war and named them after the territory (Régiment de marche du Tchad and Régiment de tirailleurs sénégalais du Tchad).
caption: Governor Félix Éboué and General Charles de Gaulle in Fort-Lamy (N'Djamena); 1940.
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