French help quell mutiny in former colony

Paris - France said it was protecting its 2,500 nationals in the Central African Republic (CAR) and none had been hurt in a mutiny by local troops in the capital, Bangui. French troops, part of a force based in the former colony, helped to quell the uprising, which killed three people.

It was the second uprising in two months; last month's was over late pay. The intervention is the latest in a series by France in its former colonies in Africa. France has about 1,400 soldiers and airmen in CAR, backed by four Mirage F-1 fighter-bombers and two transport planes. The CAR became independent in August 1960 and suffered a series of military and civilian dictatorships thereafter. AP, Reuter