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Another former French colony in turmoil --- reports that rebels are advancing on Bangui, the capital of Central African Republic sent locals scurrying to clear the area.

Businesses closed their doors while residents searched for updates on the insurgents' progress.

Moussa Tchou is worried about the Seleka rebels taking control

SOUNDBITE: MOUSSA TCHOU, BANGUI RESIDENT saying (French):

"They have cut our phone networks, they are killing us, raping us and looting us. They are not allowing us to live, they have taken the State hostage. Where will this whole thing end?"

The rebels say they won't stop until they topple President Francois Bozize. Ten miles outside the capital, the signs of battle are clear --- burnt out vehicles and casualties. The military say they've been fighting the rebels on several fronts and that they've used helicopters to target rebels from the air.

France has also said that it has dispatch