Chad's former colonial power, France, flew in an extra 150 troops from Gabon on Wednesday to supplement the 1, 200 troops already in the country.

BBC: NEWS | Africa | Chad confronts rebels in capital

Libya's Muammar Qaddafi might sense a power vacuum and renew his support for rebels in northern Chad, where Libya has territorial claims.

ECONOMIST: Sudan

Mr Bozize, who seized power in a coup in 2003 and won two subsequent elections, said he was surprised by Chad's move.

BBC: CAR's ousted leader Bozize says Chad aided rebels