The UN deputy secretary general has called for urgent action in the Central African Republic (CAR), warning it is descending into "complete chaos".

Jan Eliasson urged the UN Security Council to strengthen the African Union-led force in the country ahead of a vote due next week.

He said preparations should be made to turn the AU force into a UN peace-keeping operation. .

Mr. Eliasson stated that CAR has been in turmoil since rebels seized power in March and there had been a surge in sexual violence, torture, summary executions and sectarian violence between Muslims and Christians.

"The CAR is becoming a breeding ground for extremists and armed groups in a region that is already suffering from conflict and instability," he said.

"If this situation is left to fester, it may develop into a religious and ethnic conflict with long-standing consequences, even a civil war that could spread into neighbouring countries."

According to the source, CAR Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye earlier said France had agreed to send 800 extra troops to the conflict-torn nation.

He said the deployment would take place after a vote in the Security Council.