( CNN ) -- American military aircraft will fly African and European peacekeepers to the Central African Republic , which is in the midst of a bloody internal conflict between various proclaimed Christian and Muslim militias and other rebel factions . The decision announced the Pentagon was followed by a statement from President Barack Obama , who called on the country 's citizens to reject violence and urged the transitional government to join `` respected leaders '' in Muslim and Christian communities in calling for `` calm and peace . '' `` Individuals who are engaging in violence must be held accountable in accordance with the law . Meanwhile , as forces from other African countries and France work to restore security , the United States will support their efforts to protect civilians , '' Obama said . Pentagon spokesman Carl Woog said `` the United States is joining the international community '' in aiding the peackeeping effort `` because of our belief that immediate action is required to avert a humanitarian and human rights catastrophe . '' Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel responded after talking with his French counterpart , Yves Le Drian , on Sunday from Afghanistan , Woog said , adding that France asked for `` limited assistance . '' The request for near term help involves U.S. air support to enable the prompt deployment of African forces `` to prevent the further spread of sectarian violence , '' Woog said . Violence has raged in the former French colony east of Cameroon since a coalition of rebels deposed President Francois Bozize in March . It was the latest in a series of coups since the nation gained independence . Bozize fled the country after his ouster . Left uncontrolled , militia groups are uniting along religious lines . Christian vigilante groups have formed to battle Seleka , the predominantly Muslim coalition behind the President 's removal . More than 400,000 people -- nearly 10 % of the population -- have been internally displaced , according to the United Nations . The U.N. Security Council unanimously approved a resolution last week authorizing military intervention by an African Union-led force backed by French troops to protect civilians , restore humanitarian access and stabilize the country . As part of the effort , the United States will fly troops from Burundi to the Central African Republic capital of Bangui . The Pentagon will provide security for its planes , but there is no indication about the number of troops involved . The operation is expected to be relatively small . Violence on the ground , which has included machetes , knives , rifles and grenades , will be a `` big factor '' in any U.S. operation , a U.S. official told CNN . `` It 's a concern , '' the official said . French President Francois Hollande said in Paris over the weekend that the goal is to hold elections once security is restored . Hollande will visit the Central African Republic on Tuesday , his office said , after he first attends the memorial service for former South African leader Nelson Mandela . No time was specified . Those displaced include people hiding in the bush without shelter , food , or drinking water , Doctors Without Borders has said . In a statement on Monday , the international medical organization called for all parties to let the wounded and sick `` safely obtain medical care , '' and for `` an end to violence and threats against patients , civilians , and medical staff '' nationwide . CNN 's Jim Bittermann contributed to this report .
NEW : French President Francois Hollande will visit the Central African Republic on Tuesday . U.S. President Barack Obama calls for the country to reject violence . U.S. military to fly African and European peacekeepers into capital . The Central African Republic is wracked by internal conflict .