France vows to disarm fighters in Central African Republic
France said on Sunday that starting Monday, it would begin disarming fighters in
the Central African Republic, by force if necessary. The arrival of additional French
troops this weekend have led to a relative calm in the capital of Bangui, after three
days of fighting led to at least 400 deaths. Central African Republic has slid into
chaos as interim president Michel Djotodia struggled to control the former Seleka
rebels who helped him seize power in March. The mainly Muslim group has been attacking
the country’s Christian majority, prompting them to organize self-defense militias.
French President Francois Hollande announced Saturday that France was raising its
Central African Republic deployment to 1,600 troops from about 400. This is in addition
to the extra 3500 troops being added to the 2500-strong African Union force already
in the country.