The former president of the Central African Republic, Michel Djotodia, has reportedly headed to Benin to go into exile, a day after he resigned from power. Thousands of foreign nationals are being airlifted from the country by a UN migration agency.
Doubts have been raised over who can lead the warring Central African Republic despite widespread celebrations across the country at interim president Michel Djotodia's resignation.
A French diplomatic source said there were "no outstanding candidates" and added: "It is important this transition happens as quickly as possible."
France had repeatedly voiced frustrations with 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.
The departure of the Central African Republic's interim president sparked scenes of joy, but fears of a power vacuum in the warring nation.
Security in the Central African Republic, where even young children have been targeted in a bitter civil war, appears to be deteriorating.
ITV News has found evidence that children are being targeted in one of Africa's bloodiest civil wars.