NEW : Smoke could be seen rising a short distance off the road a number of times from what looked like burning villages . French President François Hollande visits the Central African Republic . Two French soldiers die after their convoy is attacked in Bangui , Defense Ministry says . France has deployed troops in the Central African Republic in support of an African force . Violence has escalated in the Central African Republic since a coup in March .
NEW : French President François Hollande visits the Central African Republic . Two French soldiers die after their convoy is attacked in Bangui , Defense Ministry says . France has deployed troops in the Central African Republic in support of an African force . Violence has escalated in the Central African Republic since a coup in March .