French troops have entered the Central African Republic a day after sectarian violence killed at least 100 people in the capital Bangui. The country has faced a spiraling crisis after the ouster of President François Bozizé by Muslim rebels in March. Christian militant groups have mobilized against the rebels, attacking Muslim areas. The United Nations Security Council has unanimously backed the deployment of French and African troops. French President François Hollande spoke on Thursday.

French President François Hollande: “Ladies and gentlemen, the situation in the Central African Republic has become alarming and even frightening. Massacres are taking place at this very moment, including in hospitals. Every day there is violence against women and children, and thousands of displaced are seeking refuge. Given the urgency, I have decided to act immediately — in order words, this evening — in coordination with the Africans and with the support of our European partners. Six hundred soldiers are already on site. This number will be doubled in the next few days or even the next few hours.”