Help arrives a day after more than 100 were slaughtered in the Central African Republic.
French troops are now patrolling the country, part of its second major African intervention in a year.
The presence is a relief for citizens of the capital Bangui.
(SOUNDBITE) (French) STUDENT FROM TURKISH SCHOOL, IBRAHIM TAHIR, SAYING:
"The French patrols reassure us. That's why we were able to walk on this road."
The fighting between the Seleka movement and gunmen loyal to former president Francois Bozize has plunged the country into chaos since the Seleka seized power in March.
About 1,200 French troops are expected to be in the Central African Republic by the end of the week, positive news for Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye.
(SOUNDBITE) (French) CAR PRIME MINISTER NICOLAS TIANGAYE SAYING:
"I think the presence of the French army and the intervention will allow us to put an end to the violence, the victims of which are the civilians in our country
