France officially handed over its last military base in Chad to local authorities on Thursday, marking the end of its military presence in the country after Chad broke its defense cooperation agreement with Paris two months ago.

This follows similar withdrawals of French forces from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, where countries have shifted closer to Moscow.

Chad’s army confirmed the transfer of the Sergent Adji Kossei air base in N’Djamena, after France had already given up two other bases, the Associated Press has reported.

Chad’s government has said the move allows the country to redefine its strategic partnerships while maintaining historical ties with France.

Written by B.C. Begley