Celebrations and uncertainty as CAR's president resigns

News of the unpopular Michel Djotodia's departure saw people dancing in the streets Credit: Reuters/Emmanuel Braun

The resignation of the Central African Republic's interim president has been met by celebratory cheers, sporadic gunfire and fears that a power vacuum could send the country into deeper crisis.

The departures of president Michel Djotodia and prime minister Nicolas Tiangaye was greeted with joy by both the Christian majority and Muslim minority following months of religious violence.

Doubts have been raised, though, over who will now lead the warring country with talks over the country's future leadership due to take place in the capital Bangui.

ITV News' Africa Correspondent Rohit Kachroo reports from the city:

The twin resignations were announced at a two-day summit of the Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC) in neighbouring Chad.

When news from the summit reached the capital, thousands of residents took to the streets, dancing, singing and honking horns in celebration.

Thousands of people have been killed and a million displaced since abuses by Mr Djotodia's mainly Muslim rebels, known as Seleka, prompted the creation of Christian self-defence militia after he seized power in March.

Children cheered the news in Lakouenga district after Michel Djotodia's months in power came to an end. Credit: Reuters/Emmanuel Braun

A French diplomatic source said there were "no outstanding candidates" to now lead the nation and added: "It is important this transition happens as quickly as possible."

France had repeatedly voiced frustrations with Mr Djotodia's government at the ongoing inter-religious violence after sending hundreds of troops to its former colony last month to support an effort to restore peace.