Muslim christian conflict in car
Gold, diamonds feed CAR religious violence
Thousands of people have died and more than a million fled their homes in central African country.
The attack in Bambari comes a day before French Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian was due to visit.
The order follows calls for a nationwide disobedience campaign to protest against violence.
A tense calm has returned to Bangui following two days of violence ignited by an attack by Muslim gunmen.
Troops are using helicopter gunships and mortars to fight Muslim rebels in Bambari.
The fighting started on Thursday after anti-Balaka fighters looted Seleka food reserves, residents said.
A witness said 102 Muslims guarded by 150 French troops left the northern suburb of PK-12 on Sunday.
Violence between Muslims and Christian simmers despite the deployment of peacekeepers.
Secretary General Ban Ki-moon described the situation in the country as “very dire”.