France risks long stay after misjudging Central African Republic - by John Irish and Daniel Flynn

When France sent troops to halt violence between Christians and Muslims in Central African Republic, commanders named the mission Sangaris after a local butterfly to reflect its short life. Three months later, it is clear they badly miscalculated.

Buoyed by a swift victory in last year's war against Islamists in Mali, France's military predicted six months would be enough to quell sectarian conflict in Central African Republic, which began in March when Muslim Seleka rebels seized power in the majority Christian country.

Some defense ministry officials said in private that a show of French force would be enough to restore order and no shots need be fired. With its military budget stretched by Mali, Paris gambled on sending a small force of just 1,600 men.

Read more: France risks long stay after misjudging Central African Republic | Reuters

France says EU countries to send troops to Central African Republic - by John Irish and Bate Felix

Some European countries will send troops to support a French-African mission to restore order in Central African Republic, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said on Tuesday.

France has deployed 1,600 troops to its former colony to prevent worsening violence between Christian militias and largely Muslim Seleka rebels who ousted ex-President Francois Bozize.

Hundreds of people were killed in a week of bloodshed which began on December 5 in the country's capital Bangui when fighters of both sides went door-to-door murdering civilians. Some victims were lynched or stoned to death, residents said.

Read more: France says EU countries to send troops to Central African Republic

France Increases Its Troops In The Central African Republic - by Eyder Peralta

On Thursday, the U.N. Security Council authorized a surge in French troops. that MISCA, the African Union peacekeeping force, is upping the number of troops it is sending to the former French colony from 2,500 to 3,600.

"Violence was reported in the capital Saturday despite an increased presence of French forces," VOA reports. "Thousands of residents have sought shelter and protection at the Bangui airport, which is under French control. Many other civilians have sought refuge in churches."

The CAR won independence from France in 1960.

Read more: France Increases Its Troops In The Central African Republic : The Two-Way : NPR