ABSTRACT
France has played three roles in its capacity as Chad's primary patron: guardian, caretaker, and catalyst. France, in its role as guardian, has sought to protect Chadian sovereignty and territorial integrity and to safeguard its own interests in Chad and throughout the region. In addition to its role as guardian, France has become the predominant caretaker of the Chadian state. Even before 1979, the Chadian state was unable to meet its responsibilities to its citizens. France has served as an important catalyst for bringing about change in the Chadian context by helping to bring Front de Liberation Nationale du Tchad representation into the government and by attempting to bring about conditions permitting its permanent military disengagement. Justification has often been based on historical obligation. Efforts by France to maintain the Chadian state have brought many more costs than benefits.
