A French plan to significantly reduce its military presence in West and central Africa risks backfiring and further diminishing the former colonial power's influence in the region at a time when Russia is gaining ground.

The decision by Chad is another blow to what remained of France’s military influence in the troubled stretch of countries below the Sahara, where Russia’s influence has been growing.

Chad has ended its defence cooperation pact with France - a move that could see French troops leave the country as the former colonial power's influence across the Sahel collapses.

Chad's President Mahamat Deby said the decision to terminate the country's military pact with France was taken because it had become outdated, in his first public remarks since the surprise announcement last week.

STORY: Chad's government says it has ended a defence cooperation deal with France - a move that could result in French troops leaving the central African country.France currently has around 1,000 troops stationed in Chad,