CAR prime minister appeals for French military help

Central African Republic Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye has appealed for the help of France and of a regional African force to combat following last month’s rebel takeover.

AFP

Tiangaye made the appeal to France and the multinational African peacekeeping force, Fomac, in a radio-television address late Tuesday, after around 20 people were killed at the weekend in Bangui amid clashes between former rebels and residents.

"Faced with this grave situation, I appeal for the support of... Fomac and France, as impartial forces, to lead security operations in the city of Bangui and all the regions of our country," he said.

France has expressed concern over recent events in its former colony.

Tiangaye, an opponent of overthrown president François Bozizé, said many families have experienced loss of life and "looting of all kinds."

"These facts undermine the social fabric and tend to break the pact of national unity engraved in our motto," he said.

Government spokesperson Crépin Mboli-Goumba has called on neighbouring countries to send 1,000 troops to help reestablish order in the country.

The situation is expected to be debated at a summit in Chad’s capital, N'Djamena, on Thursday.