France says it plans to increase its presence in Central African Republic as regional stability continues to deteriorate, officials said Tuesday.
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said the additional troops will come after a U.N. resolution expected next week.
(SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER LAURENT FABIUS SAYING:
"As soon as we have this authorisation from the international community, reinforced by the African Union, and the request of the Central African authorities themselves, we will proceed with reinforcing our presence, we will announce the logistics when the moment comes."
The landlocked nation of 4.6 million people at the heart of Africa has descended into chaos since rebels ousted the former regime last March.
The United Nations estimates that 400,000 people have been displaced and 68,000 have fled to neighbouring countries due to the spiralling violence.
