HUNDREDS of people marched in Chad’s capital today to call for the withdrawal of French troops, a week after the central African country ended a military agreement with its former colonial ruler.

Protesters in N’Djamena chanted: “Chad for us, France out!”

Last week, Chad said it would end a defence co-operation agreement with France to redefine its strategic partnerships in line with national priorities.

France has maintained about 1,000 troops in Chad.

The statement did not specify when they had to leave.

Some protesters went to a military airbase where French soldiers were stationed and called for their departure.

Others gathered in front of the French embassy, which was under increased protection from the Chadian army.

Former public health minister Dr Hissein Massar said: “We no longer want the French presence in Chad.

“This protest will stop once the French leave Chad.”

Chad was one of the last countries in the region in which France maintained a large military presence, having been ousted in recent years from Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.