(CNN) — About 150 French troops secured the airport in the Central African Republic’s capital on Saturday, after rebel fighters pushed their way into the city and put the government to the brink.
While its troops took over the main airport in its former colony without resistance, France urged the international community to step up as well to prevent the Central African Republic government’s downfall. According to its foreign ministry, France asked Saturday for an urgent U.N. Security Council meeting to address the crisis.
This request comes a day after Security Council members issued a statement voicing “strong concerns” about the rebels’ advance on Bangui and condemning “all attempts to undermine the stability of the Central African Republic.” The statement included a plea for “all parties to cease hostilities immediately.”