In the summer of 1940, as World War II raged on, Félix Éboué, who was the first black governor of a French colony, played a vital role in shifting Chad's allegiance from Vichy France to the Free French forces led by Charles de Gaulle. This transition was momentous not only for Chad but also for the broader context of French colonial relations during the war. The decision was rooted in the desire to resist the Axis powers' expansion and to continue fighting for the values of liberty and democracy. Éboué's leadership was instrumental, harnessing the political, social, and economic structures of the colony to align with the Allies against fascism.

Éboué's administration was characterized by a determination to support the French cause. He managed to rally local leaders and the populace of Chad, emphasizing the importance of their role in the global conflict. His efforts culminated in the establishment of military camps which eventually allowed Chadian soldiers to participate actively in operations supporting the Allies, thus contributing to the liberation efforts in North Africa. Additionally, he facilitated the dispatch of vital resources from the colony to support the wider French war efforts.

This alignment represented not only a strategic military decision but also a profound shift in the morale and governance of French colonies. It demonstrated how colonial leadership could affect wartime decisions, shaping the fate of countries in a critical moment of history. Éboué became a symbol of anti-colonial sentiment and African agency, representing a push for greater recognition and rights within the colonial framework. The step taken by Chad would inspire other French colonies to reconsider their positions during the ongoing conflict, leading to a domino effect of support for the Free French forces across Africa.