Originally France limited itself to providing logistic support to the Chadian Armed Forces but, when it became clear the situation was not improving, De Gaulle reluctantly started Operation Bison on April 14, 1969, sending 3,000 well-equipped French soldiers against the ragtag FROLINAT forces. Among the conditions for the French help was the acceptance by Tombalbaye of an Administrative Reform Mission (MRA), to reform the army and the civil service and propose radical changes to the government's policies.
Initially, France limited itself to providing logistical support to the Chadian Armed Forces but, as the situation worsened, De Gaulle reluctantly initiated Operation Bison on April 14, 1969, deploying 3,000 well-equipped French soldiers against the poorly equipped FROLINAT forces. In exchange for French assistance, Tombalbaye agreed to accept an Administrative Reform Mission (MRA), aimed at reforming the army and civil service and proposing radical changes to the government's policies.