Senegalese and Chadian leaders say the ousting of French troops from their territories was their sovereign decision, rejecting remarks from French President Emmanuel Macron that suggested otherwise.

Experts say they are following the example of Sahel countries as local leaders and populations want more sovereignty over their security

The Senegalese prime minister and the Chadian foreign minister have condemned claims made by Emmanuel Macron regarding negotiations about the withdrawal of French troops from several African countries,

In response, Chad's Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah said Macron comments had revealed his contempt for Africa. "Chad expresses its deep concern following the remarks made recently by [the French president], which reflect a contemptuous attitude towards Africa and Africans," he said in a statement on national TV.

Chad and Senegal on Tuesday hit back at comments made by President Macron claiming that African countries in the Sahel had "forgotten to say thank you" to France for helping to combat jihadist insurgencies.

In a speech to French ambassadors, French president Emmanuel Macron claimed that African leaders 'forgot to say thank you' for France's 2013 military intervention in the Sahel, provoking immediate ire from Chad's president.