French forces build-up continues in Bangui

Press, 29 September 1979, Page 9

French forces build-up continues in Bangui

NZPA-Reuter Paris A planned student strike in the Central -African Republic fizzled out yesterday as France continued to reinforce its combat troops. Students called a demonstration outside the French embassy after the authorities in Paris advised the former Prime Minister (Mr Ange Patasse) not to board an aircraft for Bangui, the African State’s capital.

Mr Patasse was seen as a rival to the French-backed President David Dacko, who took over power after Emperor Bokassa was overthrown in a coup last week. A Government spokesman in Paris said yesterday that Mr Patasse was free to leave

provided he had a valid passport. He later sought asylum in the Libyan embassy. Signs of anti-French feeling emerged when hundreds of angry students roamed the streets on Thursday telling French civilians to keep out of their way “or else.” The French community in the Central African Republic numbers about 3000, but they did not appear to be in any danger;

French troops and six armoured cars yesterday guarded the embassy, which was ransacked during a demonstration five years ago.

Fresh combat troops have continued to pour in daily to

add to the 800 already in the country. French Air Force planes have been ferrying in heavy equipment every day. Eyewitnesses said two aircraft had flown in from a military base at the Chad capital of Ndjamena. Combat-ready troops were deployed throughout the town to guard all strategic points. President Dacko — dubbed by students the “joke President” after his contradictory; statements — called on youth to return to work and stop meddling in politics. He told students, who represent the elite in the poor country of 1.7 million people, to return to their books.