Chad’s government says it is ending a defense cooperation agreement with France, its former colonial ruler, to redefine the nation's sovereignty.

Chad's government said on Thursday it has ended its defence cooperation pact with France, a move that could see French troops leave the Central African country.

Chad is a key partner in the West's fight against Islamist militants in the West African Sahel region. But prior to the presidential election in May, Chad's authorities ordered the withdrawal of US troops from the country,