The Central African Republic's capital was rocked by deadly overnight clashes hours before France's defence minister formally ended a military operation there Monday, hailing it as a "success".
Local sources said about 10 people had been killed in a settling of scores between armed groups Sunday night in the restive Muslim PK5 neighbourhood of the capital Bangui.
The toll had yet to be confirmed by the UN force MINUSCA - which will be alone in facing the militia terrorising civilians now that France is ending its Sangaris operation, begun three years ago to halt mass killings in the former French colony.
"This does not mean the end of military relations between France and the Central African Republic," French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a speech to parliament in Bangui on Monday.
"The French army will indeed be less visible but it will be present, active and vigilant. We're proud of Operation Sangaris, so it's out of the question to allow the gains to be put at risk," Le Drian told MPs fearful of renewed violence.
Residents were continuing to flee the area around PK5 on Monday, fearing further bloodshed. A helicopter from the international force circled over the city from dawn, an AFP correspondent said.
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