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United Nations has warned that Central African Republic (CAR) needs urgent help. UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson said it was "descending into complete chaos before our eyes". landlocked nation has been slowly moving towards state of total anarchy since rebels seized power in March. Mr Eliasson called for strengthening of African Union's military presence in country. He suggested turning it into official UN peacekeeping operation. Mr Eliasson warned: "If this situation is left to fester, it may develop into religious and ethnic conflict with long-standing consequences - even civil war that could spread into neighbouring countries."

Rebels known as Seleka replaced former President Bozize with their own commander Michel Djotodia. Mr Djotodia later disbanded rebels but they regrouped and formed armed gangs, which now control most of impoverished country. Mr Eliasson said: " population is enduring suffering beyond imagination. As we see far too often, women and children are bearing brunt. Human rights violations are mounting. use of child soldiers is rising. Sexual violence is growing. There are widespread reports of looting, illegal checkpoints, extortion, illegal arrests and detentions, torture and summary executions." He warned that: "The CAR is becoming breeding ground for extremists."