Central Africa's interim leader Michel Djotodia has fired three cabinet ministers, according to presidential decrees, following a wave of deadly sectarian unrest in the country.
Finance and Budget Minister Christophe Bremaidou, Security Minister Josue Binoua and Livestock Minister Joseph Bendounga were all dismissed, as was Treasury director Nicolas Geoffroy Gourna-Douath.
"All movements on the different treasury accounts are suspended until further notice," a statement said.
The Central African Republic has spiralled into chaos since a March coup by the mainly Muslim Seleka rebel group overthrew president Francois Bozize, with deadly violence pitting Muslims against Christians.
Some 600 people have been killed in the country in the last 10 days, some in mob lynchings.
A source close to the government told AFP that the three ministers were sacked "because we don't know where they are. They were not governing any more."
Binoua, who ran unsuccessfully for president in 2005, told AFP that he had fled to France because of "threats to my person".
Weapons were reportedly found at his home, but he says they were for use by security forces and were all accounted for.
"The decision to fire me doesn't surprise me," said Binoua, whose ministry is the equivalent of the interior ministry and is a key portfolio in a country ravaged by insecurity.
Bremaidou and Gourna-Douathare are seen as being held accountable for the dire state of the impoverished country's finances.
