16 dead in fighting in Central African Republic capital

Thursday morning's fighting left at least 16 dead and 45 wounded, said Sylvain Groulx, head of mission for Doctors Without Borders.

Groulx said the toll included only those bodies taken to two hospitals in Bangui, leaving open the possibility of further deaths.

Incoming French ambassador Charles Malinas confirmed that the homes of CAR Prime Minister Nicholas Tiangaye and President Michel Djotodia were looted during Thursday's violence.

Tiangaye confirmed his house had been looted, describing the attackers as a group of Seleka who arrived in three four-wheel-drive pickup trucks favored by the rebels.

“It's true, my house was attacked and pillaged,” he said, adding that his family was evacuated from the house beforehand and were safe.

Crackles of gunfire first erupted around 6 a.m. and lasted several hours. French forces patrolled in light vehicles and armored personnel carriers.

By midday, the country's president—installed by the rebel forces earlier this year—said the fighting was over and called for an end to the conflict.