C African president resigns after deadly unrest

11 Jan AFP

Central African Republic President Michel Djotodia stepped down under regional pressure after failing to stem sectarian violence ripping his country apart.

His resignation sparked jubilation in the strife-torn capital Bangui, with many residents expressing hope the violence would now subside.

Regional leaders, who had piled pressure on Djotodia to step down during their summit in Chad, called it a "highly patriotic decision" to wrest the country out of paralysis, while France urged transition authorities to decide swiftly on a new caretaker president.

In Bangui, news that both Djotodia and Prime Minister Nicolas Tiengaye had resigned was greeted with joy, with thousands of people descending on the streets, shouting "it's over, it's over".

"This guy (Djotodia) drove the country into the ground, he is a demon," said Tertus Ngoupou, seeking refuge at a massive camp near the airport alongside tens of thousands of Christians fleeing inter-religious clashes.

"If God wills it, from tonight Christians and Muslims will live in harmony and I will be back in my home by Sunday."

French military armoured vehicles were deployed near the presidential palace while peacekeepers were patrolling in the capital.