The French military may be back in force in the Central African Republic (CAR) but French influence has been present since the former colony became independent in 1960.
That influence is why Michel Djotodia's rule as interim president may not last through to its scheduled term in 2015.
Mr Djotodia seized power in March with the help of gangs of mostly Muslim fighters called the Seleka.
Since then, the CAR, which has a population of about five million people, has slid into chaos as the Seleka attacked the majority Christian population which then formed its own militia groups.
In the past few days about 400 people have died, prompting the French military intervention which is backed by a United Nations' resolution.
French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian says fighters must hand in the weapons: "First we'll ask nicely, and if they don't react, we'll do it by force."
Mr Hollande met CAR Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye in Paris on Saturday French President Francois Hollande has made it clear he feels Mr Djotodia has to step down, saying: "We can't leave in place a president who hasn't been able to do anything, who let things happen."
It is expected France will force the presidential election to be brought forward to next year.
Mr Djotodia blames the recent violence on gunmen loyal to the man he deposed, Francois Bozize.
About 1,600 French troops have deployed to the country to support an African Union force which will grow to 6,000 from 3,500.
The French troops were cheered by crowds when they arrived, with people thankful for the relative calm which has come to the capital Bangui and the second city Bossangoa.
Ex-Seleka fighters pass French troops on patrol in Bangui There are seven main ethnic groups in the CAR, which is approximately 50% Christian and 15% Muslim. The rest of the population is a mix of various indigenous beliefs.
The Muslim population mostly lives in the north of the country, towards the border with Chad, but small numbers are elsewhere.
The country is rich in gold, diamonds and uranium but remains one of the poorest in the world.
A series of coups has meant 50 years of conflict and political instability with little of the profit from the natural wealth being invested in the country's infrastructure.
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