French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius confirmed Sunday that Central African Republic President Francois Bozize had fled Bangui as the capital city fell into the hands of rebels.

In a statement, the minister urged all parties to exercise the greatest restraint.

Fabius said the French embassy is keeping in constant contact with "our compatriots" and "we asked them to stay home," adding that measures have been enforced to ensure their safety.

Bozize fled the presidential palace in the capital Bangui 30 minutes before rebels began to zero in on the compound, Bozize's office said on Sunday.

The announcement was made after a local human rights observation group reported that Bozize was seen on route to Mbaiki 107 km south of Bangui. Some reports said he was fleeing to the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.

The rebels began seizing towns last December but gave up their advance later and signed a truce with the government. However, the deal, which allows Bozize to continue ruling until 2016, quickly unraveled.

France has sent 350 troops to the Central African Republic to protect its citizens there. Endi

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