Washington, DC — Reports from the Central African Republic say parts of the capital Bangui are still under heavy artillery fire. Government forces continue their mop-up operations in areas south-west of the city, where some of the rebels are hiding following last week's abortive coup attempt. The authorities say that the whole city is now under their control and that the airport will reopen on Wednesday.

Despite their reportedly small numbers, the rebels are believed to be heavily armed. They say they're awaiting orders from General André Kolingba to hit back. President Ange-Félix Patassé promised a 25,000 CFA-reward (between US$30,000 and US$40,000) for anyone who turns Kolingba in "dead or alive".

Local witnesses say Jean Pierre Bemba's Congolese Liberation Front forces, sent in to reinforce president Patassé's troops last week, have been ransacking whole areas south-east of the capital. The authorities in Bangui also officially acknowledged the presence of Libyan troops in the city on Tuesday.

French Foreign Minister Hunbert Vedribe said his country is not interfering in the Central African Republic and urged neighbouring African states to do the same. France, a former colonial power, still wields a strong influence in the region.

On the humanitarian level, the former mayor of Bangui said the current unrest has had a disasterous effect on the civilian population. About forty thousand people have fled the shelling and sought refuge in safer areas, which he said are not adequately equipped to receive refugees.