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Shots heard in CAR capital Bangui ahead of UN vote Central African Republic: Shots heard in Bangui
(35 minutes later)
Shooting and heavy arms fire has been heard in the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR), Bangui.Shooting and heavy arms fire has been heard in the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR), Bangui.
It comes hours before the UN Security Council is set to vote on sending in thousands of French and African soldiers as peacekeepers. The city has reportedly been attacked by supporters of President Francois Bozize, who was ousted by rebels in March, plunging the country in chaos.
France's UN ambassador says the presence of international troops will swiftly "make a difference" to the security situation in the country. It comes hours before the UN Security Council is due to vote on French troops joining the African peacekeeping force.
CAR has been gripped by conflict since rebels seized power in March. France's ambassador to the UN, Gerard Araud, said the move would swiftly "make a difference".
Ex-President Francois Bozize was ousted in a rebellion led by the Seleka group, whose leader Michel Djotodia installed himself as the first Muslim to rule the Christian-majority country. Mr Bozize was ousted by Michel Djotodia, who installed himself as the first Muslim leader in the Christian-majority country.
Religious and ethnic attacks have led to warnings of genocide.Religious and ethnic attacks have led to warnings of genocide.
Earlier this week, at least 12 people from a mainly Muslim community north of Bangui were killed and 30 wounded in an attack blamed on Christian militiamen known as "anti-balaka".Earlier this week, at least 12 people from a mainly Muslim community north of Bangui were killed and 30 wounded in an attack blamed on Christian militiamen known as "anti-balaka".
'Green light''Green light'
It was not immediately clear who was involved in Thursday's shooting in Bangui, but the firing began at around 05:30 (04:30 GMT) in the north of the capital and spread to other neighbourhoods, the AFP news agency reports.It was not immediately clear who was involved in Thursday's shooting in Bangui, but the firing began at around 05:30 (04:30 GMT) in the north of the capital and spread to other neighbourhoods, the AFP news agency reports.
The French envoy to the UN, Gerard Araud, told the BBC that French and African forces were already arriving in CAR and would be able to respond quickly once the UN Security Council gives the expected "green light" on Thursday. Mr Araud told the BBC's Newsday programme that French and African forces were already arriving in CAR and would be able to respond quickly once the UN Security Council gives the expected "green light" on Thursday.
He said the troops would first restore law and order in Bangui, and then secure roads going to other main cities.He said the troops would first restore law and order in Bangui, and then secure roads going to other main cities.
"What we understand is that a lot of people have gathered in the cities. They are totally terrified, in awful conditions, so it will allow the humanitarian aid to reach these people," he said."What we understand is that a lot of people have gathered in the cities. They are totally terrified, in awful conditions, so it will allow the humanitarian aid to reach these people," he said.
"I hope that in a few days, maybe a few weeks we are going to make a difference.""I hope that in a few days, maybe a few weeks we are going to make a difference."
The African Union (AU) has a 2,500-strong force in CAR, but it is battling to contain the conflict.The African Union (AU) has a 2,500-strong force in CAR, but it is battling to contain the conflict.
The force is expected to increase to 3,600 by the end of the month.The force is expected to increase to 3,600 by the end of the month.
France is planning to boost its military presence in its former colony with around 1,000 troops supporting the AU force.France is planning to boost its military presence in its former colony with around 1,000 troops supporting the AU force.