Central African Republic sees peace moves

Bangui - capital of the poverty stricken but resource-rich Central African Republic - where residents are either fleeing or stockpiling food as rebel forces advance.

An insurgency has swept across this former French colony, posing the biggest threat yet to President Francois Bozize's nearly 10-year government.

Worried residents are hoping peace talks in neighbouring Gabon will be successful.

This man says everyone should go to the talks so there could be calm in the country.

Bozize, seen here addressing supporters on Thursday, has appealed for help from France and the United States to push back the rebels.

But Paris says it will only protect French nationals.

There was some good news on Friday, with rebels agreeing to send representatives to the peace talks, according to African Union officials.

Regional leaders gathered in Gabon meanwhile agreed to send more troops into the country.

Chad's foreign minister said they already had 560 men on the ground and were increasing the number to help fulfil their mission.

The rebels have previously said they will oust Boziz\e unless he honours a previous peace deal helping former fighters.