The United Nations has extended the mandate of its peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic until the end of next year to help consolidate a fragile peace, after three army mutinies in 1996.

Correspondents say the army appears as divided as ever between supporters and opponents of President Ange-Felix Patasse.

The UN says rival groups clashed on Monday at a barracks in the capital, Bangui -- though no casualties were reported.

The decision to extend the peacekeepers' mandate came as opposition parties said they'd secured a majority in parliament, after an independent candidate elected in general elections earlier this month joined the opposition alliance.