The Central African Republic government is under control of former rebel leaders . A new constitution was approved in December and the country has been declared a republic by international organizations including the United Nations. French troops there already act as a security force for French nationals . It declared independence from France in 1960 and has since been under the leadership of presidents or emperors . The nation was a French colony until 1960 and is one of the poorest on Earth .
The Central African Republic government is under control of former rebel leaders . A new constitution was approved in December and the country has been declared a republic by international organizations including the United Nations. French troops there already act as a security force for French nationals . The nation was a French colony until 1960 and is one of the poorest on Earth .