People attend a service at Saint Paul’s Cathedral in Central African Republic capital Bangui on December 7, 2013 after seeking refuge/AFP
“We have counted 394 dead in the last three days. Calm has returned to Bangui even if there are still some abuses here and there,” Fabius told France 3 television.
French troops poured into the impoverished landlocked country on Saturday after President Francois Hollande announced he was boosting a UN-mandated French force to 1,600 soldiers.
“There are a certain number of operations under way throughout the country, and operations to disarm Seleka will begin,” Fabius said, referring to the mostly Muslim rebel fighters who were behind a coup in March.
“Our role is loud and clear, and it is first of all a security role.
The order has been given to disarm and confine to quarters, we are doing this with the Africans” from the 2,500-strong MISCA force, Fabius said.
“The problem is that some (Seleka fighters) are abandoning their fatigues to dress as civilians, making it difficult.”
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