The Central African Republic said Monday that Russia and Rwanda had sent in hundreds of troops after an alleged coup bid ahead of weekend presidential and parliamentary polls.

Several powerful armed groups in the Central African Republic have accused President Faustin-Archange Touadera's government of seeking to fix upcoming elections and warned of a violent response.

US special forces on Wednesday began to pull out from Central Africa, ending a five-year hunt for brutal LRA warlord Joseph Kony, who is wanted for crimes against humanity.

French President Francois Hollande will visit the Central African Republic on May 13 to pledge France's support for peace efforts in the restive country, his office said Friday.