Updated

The Muslim president of the Central African Republic says he is willing to negotiate with the Christian militias that attacked the country's capital earlier this month, setting off clashes that killed over 500 people.

Government spokesman Guy Simplice told The Associated Press on Monday that President Michel Djotodia "is willing to discuss with the militia, and is willing to offer them amnesty and a chance to be integrated into the government."

Djotodia led the Muslim rebels who overthrew the Christian-led government in March. Since then, the Central African Republic has descended into chaos. France sent 1,600 troops to try to stabilize the troubled nation. The animosity between Christians and Muslims seems to not have abated, and French forces have intervened to stop mob lynchings.