The rebels have attacked the residence of President Ange-Felix Patasse, but the President was unscathed during the attack. Rebel soldiers attempted to storm the presidential compound, but were repelled by government guards.
Eyewitnesses say heavy gunfire continued for several hours in the capital Bangui.
Hospital officials say several people were killed and injured during the fighting, but the number of casualties is unknown. The attempted coup comes after several months of escalating unrest in the Central African Republic. Rebel army units have accused the Government of failing to pay the salaries of thousands of civil servants. Asthma medications face tests. The film La Spagnola is going against the odds to succeed in the Australian film market.