The embattled president of Central African Republic is heading to neighboring Chad for a summit with regional leaders that is aimed at ending weeks of bloodshed that have left more than 1,000 people dead.
Michel Djotodia took power 10 months ago, and in that time the chaos and fighting has created a humanitarian disaster in one of the world's poorest countries.
His trip Wednesday marks the first time he has left the volatile country since an attempted coup in early December.
An armed movement of Christian fighters was behind that attack, and they have vowed to continue their battle until Djotodia steps down from power.
France's foreign minister said leaders from other states in Central Africa would take up the question of whether Djotodia should stay on as interim president.