The leaders of African countries in the unstable Sahel region and France are to hold a summit in Chad on February 15-16 where they are expected to discuss counter-terrorism and economic development, a French diplomatic source said Tuesday.

The United States might also send a representative to the meeting of "G5 Sahel" countries, the French source said, as new President Joe Biden looks to fulfil his promise to re-engage with the international community.

"The summit will take place in person or by video conference, with G5 partners, European partners and European institutions," the source close to French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters.

"The Americans are interested in the initiative," he added.

The G5 Sahel grouping comprises Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger, all straddling the semi-arid Sahel region which is rife with Islamist militant groups and is being hit hard by climate change.

France is looking to reduce its 5,000-person military presence in the region and has consistently urged its European allies and the US to help shoulder the burden of anti-terror operations there.

An attempt to create a new multinational G5 force comprising regional African troops has been dogged by delays and operational problems linked to their lack of equipment and training.

"The Americans tell us that they have a very positive view of what we are doing in the Sahel," the French source said.

Macron has not yet decided whether he will attend the summit in person or by video conference because of uncertainty about the coronavirus pandemic in France, the source said.

Defence Minister Florence Parly confirmed this month that 600 French troops would be brought back home.

Defence sources in Paris have indicated that Macron would like to make further cuts before next year's French presidential election.

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