France sends soldiers onto streets to disarm Central African Republic militias

French soldiers were today trying to end to a wave of violence that has claimed hundreds of lives in the Central African Republic (CAR).

France said its 1,600-strong force was patrolling the capital Bangui and removing weapons from fighters — by force if necessary.

Days of communal battles have left 400 dead, and more have been killed since rebel leader Michel Djotodia seized power in March and armed gangs took control.

French troops went in on Friday with a UN Security Council mandate to res-tore order “by all necessary measures”.

It followed fighting between Christian and Muslim militias. French defence minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said: “The period of impunity is at an end. Everybody will lay down their arms.”