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                  French Troop Reinforcements Arrive in C.A.R.

   France has begun sending more troops into the volatile Central African
   Republic (CAR), with a plan of doubling its force there to 1,200 troops
   over the next few days.
   Officials said the CAR was mostly calm on Friday, a day after about 100
   people were killed in heavy fighting in the capital, Bangui.
   A movement allied with former president Francois Bozize said it carried
   out attacks Thursday with the goal of overthrowing rebels who seized
   power in March.
   Meanwhile, French army spokesman Gilles Jarron says French forces
   killed unidentified gunmen who fired on French positions on Thursday
   near the Bangui airport.
   The incident took place shortly before the U.N. Security Council
   authorized France and the African Union to strengthen their forces in
   the CAR.
   The AU stabilization force, known as MISCA, is expected to bolster its
   presence from about 2,500 troops to 3,600.
   European powers have announced plans to send additional support to the
   CAR. Britain announced plans on Friday to send military equipment to
   the CAR to help France with its effort.
   Also, the French News Agency says the European Union has announced
   plans to provide an additional $68 million in funding.
   The CAR spiraled downward into chaos and violence after the rebel
   movement Seleka took power eight months ago.
   The weak interim government was unable to exert control over the rebel
   fighters, who were blamed for a surge in murder, rape, robbery and auto
   theft.
   U.N. officials have warned the violence has taken on a sectarian tone,
   with the mostly Muslim Seleka fighters battling mostly Christian
   defense groups known as "anti-balaka."
   The CAR has endured decades of instability since winning independence
   from France in 1960.
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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/french-troop-reinforcements-arrive-in-car/1805112.html