French troops have begun to disarm rebel militias in the Central African Republic.
1,600 French troops are currently in the country, after clashes between Christians and Muslims claimed hundreds of lives.
France said that fighters loyal to President Djotodia had to return to their barracks and all other militas had to disarm.
"First we'll ask gently and if they don't react, we'll do it by force. The operation will take some time," France's Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told French media.
"The period of impunity is at an end."