Central African Republic unveils new government

The Central African Republic unveiled on Monday its new government following a peaceful presidential election held in February.

Prime Minister Mathieu Simplice Sarandji announced on national radio that the cabinet has 23 members, with none drawn from the Muslim and Christian militias who are behind the violence that has plagued the country.

The 23-member cabinet also includes 3 candidates who contested against President Faustin-Archange Touadera, elected in the February 14 run-off vote.

The new cabinet will also include some familiar faces, with at least three having served under Touadera when he was Bozize’s prime minister from the year 2008 to 2013.

Among them are Leopold Mboli-Fatrane, who is responsible for mines in the mineral-rich nation, and Theodore Jousso, Transport and Civil Aviation Minister.

The new government will have an uphill task of restoring peace in the country where sectarian violence has killed thousands while about a tenth of the population of 4.8 million, have fled their homes.

AFP