The Central African Republic is appealing to the U.N. for help fending off rebels. UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The Central African Republic is appealing to the U.N. for help fending off rebels and bandits as a U.N. peacekeeping force is withdrawn in deference to neighboring Chad's government.

Central African Republic Foreign Minister Antoine Gambi told the Security Council on Tuesday that the northeastern part of his nation is "precarious" and could descend back into violence because of "the many destabilizing factors."

He warned of possible "dangerous consequences" as his nation is challenged by rebellion, bandits and ethnic conflicts while the 3,300-strong peacekeeping force known as MINURCAT is disbanded by the end of this year.

The council was mulling options for providing help after agreeing in May to wind down its mission since 2007 in Chad and the Central African Republic.