By James Tasamba
KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) – In a major Cabinet reshuffle, the president of the Republic of Congo sacked his finance minister and named several new figures, according to a decree released by the presidency on Sunday.
Denis Sassou Nguesso appointed Jean-Baptiste Ondaye – formerly secretary general of the Congolese presidency – as the new finance and budget minister, replacing Rigobert Roger Andely.
The new cabinet has 37 ministers, including five ministers of state.
Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso retained his position, which he assumed after the March 2021 presidential election.
Lydie Pongault was named cultural and tourism minister, while Juste Desire Mondele was appointed as minister delegate to the minister of the interior, formerly political adviser to the head of state.
Honore Sayi, previously energy and hydraulics minister and an influential member of the main opposition Pan-African Union for Social Democracy, was appointed as the new transport and civil aviation minister.
Nguesso has highlighted diversification of the economy, unemployment, and public safety as among his government’s priorities.