The Central African Republic (CAR) is descending into "complete chaos", the UN deputy secretary general has warned, calling for urgent action. Jan Eliasson urged the Security Council to strengthen the African Union-led force in the country, and to turn it into a UN peacekeeping operation. The CAR has been in turmoil since rebels seized power in March. France, the former colonial power, has confirmed it would contribute hundreds of extra troops to the force.
"France will support this African mission with about 1,000 soldiers," Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told Europe 1 radio on Tuesday.
He added that - as was the case in Mali - the troops would be deployed for "a short period, in the range of six months".
'Left to fester'
Mr Eliasson said there had been an surge in sexual violence, torture, summary executions and sectarian violence between Muslims and Christians.
"The CAR is becoming a breeding ground for extremists and armed groups in a region that is already suffering from conflict and instability," he said.
"If this situation is left to fester, it may develop into a religious and ethnic conflict with long-standing consequences, even a civil war that could spread into neighbouring countries."
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CAR Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye earlier said France had agreed to send 800 extra troops to the conflict-torn nation.
He said the deployment would take place after a vote in the Security Council.
The UN Security Council is expected next week to adopt a resolution authorising the deployment of African Union troops with French support in the impoverished nation.
"A country in the heart of Africa is descending into complete chaos before our eyes," Mr Eliasson told the 15-member council on Monday.
"The situation requires prompt and decisive action." Central African Republic crisis in numbers
Earlier this month, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said communal violence in the CAR risked spiralling out of control.
Mr Ban backed the establishment of a UN peacekeeping force before the crisis leads to widespread atrocities.
The rebels - known as the Seleka - have replaced President Bozize with their own commander Michel Djotodia. French troops patrol a street in Bangui. Photo: October 2013
Armed gangs, mainly former Seleka rebels, who are mostly Muslim, now control most of the landlocked country.
Mr Djotodia has formally disbanded the rebels and integrated many fighters into the national army.
But former rebels linked to Seleka have continued to launch attacks on scores of villages, prompting the emergence of local civilian protection groups.
The government in Bangui denies targeting any group, but recognises the rise in inter-community violence.
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