France is “immediately” doubling its troop numbers in Central African Republic as some 100 people are confirmed dead in fierce fighting on Thursday in the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR), Bangui.

Militias loyal to ousted leader Francois Bozize attacked the city, plunging the already strife-torn nation into chaos.  Bozizie is Christian.  He was overthrown in March, replaced by Michel Djotodia, who installed himself as the first Muslim leader in the Christian-majority country.

Djotodia’s Muslim Seleka rebel coalition had been accused of atrocities against Christians.  Christian communities are now establishing their own self-defense forces, most of them loyal to Bozize.

France was already planning to double its contingent from 600 to 1,200 troops, but the new violence adds urgency to that.  The UN Security Council voted to add French troops to join the African peacekeeping force in the CAR.  The resolution also imposed an arms embargo and asked the UN to prepare for a possible peacekeeping mission of its own.