Chad and Algeria Sign 34 Bilateral Agreements Focusing on Energy Cooperation

Chad and Algeria signed 34 bilateral agreements on Thursday during the Chadian president's official visit to Algiers, according to the Chadian presidency. The agreements span multiple sectors, including communications, public works, animal health, air transport, and higher education. The two countries also signed an interministerial convention to cooperate in combating terrorism.

A key agreement involves a memorandum of understanding between Algeria's state energy firm Sonatrach and Chad's hydrocarbons company SHT to build a refinery with a capacity of up to 20,000 barrels of oil per day. Additional memoranda pave the way for Algerian factories in Chad in mining and renewable energy industries.

Chad also signed a framework agreement with the Algerian Petroleum Institute to strengthen its oil sector. An economist told RFI that these steps could help Chad diversify its economy, attract investors, and create jobs in a country lacking industry.

The Chadian president stated after the signing ceremony that the visit demonstrates a clear political will to transition from traditional friendship to a new-generation strategic partnership. For Algeria, the deals represent an effort to bolster its position in Africa, following similar agreements with Niger in February.

An analyst from the International Crisis Group told AllAfrica that the move counters Morocco's growing influence in sub-Saharan Africa, noting competition between Algeria and Morocco in the region. Morocco has been deepening ties with Chad through increased investments in energy and cultural sectors.

Chad has opened a consulate in Dakhla, located in Western Sahara.