(http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/121227-bangui-hmed12p.photoblog600.jpg)ReutersHundreds protest in front of the French Embassy in the Bangui, Central African Republic, on Wednesday, expressing anger over the lack of response by the former colonial power to rebels advancing on the capital. By NBC News and wire servicesU.S. diplomats and other American citizens have been evacuated from the Central African Republic and U.S. embassy operations have been suspended in the capital, Bangui, the State Department said Thursday. The move came as rebel forces advanced on the city.
Follow @NBCNewsWorld (https://twitter.com/NBCNewsWorld) "This decision is solely due to concerns about the security of our personnel and has no relation to our continuing and long-standing diplomatic relations with the (Central African Republic)," said State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell.
Insurgents on motorbikes and in pickup trucks have driven to within 45 miles of Bangui after weeks of fighting, threatening to end President Francois Bozize's nearly 10-year rule over the turbulent, resource-rich country.
NBCNews
This is a very shocking evacuation.
So many of them wouldn't have expected it