French National Day: A Celebration of Shared Bonds in N’Djamena
Diplomatic leaders and key figures gathered in N’Djamena to honor the enduring partnership between France and Chad during the French National Day festivities.
By Hassan Abderamane
The French Embassy in Chad hosted a vibrant evening event on July 14, 2026, at the French Residence in N’Djamena to mark French National Day. The gathering brought together high-ranking officials, including France’s Ambassador to Chad, Mr. Éric Gérard, and the Deputy Secretary-General of Chad’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside military leaders, diplomats, French expatriates, government officials, private sector representatives, and civil society leaders.
The ceremony commenced with the national anthems of both nations, setting a tone of mutual respect and camaraderie. Ambassador Éric Gérard then delivered a keynote address, reflecting on the significance of July 14 for France and its people. He emphasized the core values of liberty, equality, and fraternity that define the French Republic.
The ambassador also highlighted the deep historical ties between France and Chad, forged through decades of collaboration. He paid tribute to veterans in attendance, acknowledging their contributions to the enduring friendship between the two nations.
« This friendship is built every single day. We must strengthen our bonds through mutual respect, honesty, and sincerity. We are not afraid to address challenges head-on, » he remarked.
Gérard further underscored the robust cooperation between France and Chad, noting 39 active projects spanning critical sectors such as water supply, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, education, and youth empowerment initiatives. « The meeting between our heads of state on January 29 in Paris marked a pivotal moment in reshaping this partnership, » he stated.
He also referenced the Africa-France Summit in Nairobi as another milestone, where 49 African nations, including Chad, convened at the highest levels. The ambassador reiterated France’s commitment to supporting Chad’s development through its « Tchad Connexion 2030 » national development plan, a roadmap vital for the country’s progress.
The evening concluded with a renewed sense of shared purpose, as participants celebrated the strong and enduring ties between France and Chad.
