The president of the Central African Repbulic has reportedly stepped down amid international efforts to stem violence that has displaced hundreds of thousands in the resource-rich but desperately poor country.
Gunfire greeted news that President Michel Djotodia had announced his resignation at a regional summit early Friday.
He was swept to power in late 2013, when a loose largely Muslim grouping known as Seleka took control of the capital. Months of abuses prompted Christian communities to create defense militiamen, and subsequent clashes left hundreds dead.
Talks to decide new leadership were planned to take place in Bangui, Central African Republic's capital, at a future date, Reuters quoted a a statement issued by Central African regional body CEEAC as saying.
Reuters contributed to this report.
