New Central African Republic PM takes office

BANGUI 

Newly-appointed prime minister of the Central African Republic (CAR) Mahamat Kamoun officially took over on Friday from his predecessor, André Nzapayeke.

"It is with great pleasure that I express my thanks and gratitude to the entire team that worked with me," Nzapayeke – who stepped down earlier this month – said at a handover ceremony in capital Bangui.

"It is true that the time has come for me to leave my job, but I can assure you that I will not leave you on the edge of the road," he said.

"Kamoun has all the qualities that qualify him to take the torch and I'm proud of the choice made by [President Catherine Samba-Panza]. I am confident he [Kamoun] will continue the work we started," he added.

Kamoun, for his part, paid tribute to Nzapayeke's performance as premier.

"I would just like to say how great my pleasure is to take my office after a memorable personality like you," the new PM said.

The country's first Muslim prime minister, Kamoun served before as a presidential advisor and had headed up the office of former president Michel Djotodia.

Nzapayeke submitted his resignation earlier this month at the request of President Samba-Panza, who wanted to form a government more representative of different segments of society in line with a recent ceasefire agreement between the country's rival militias.

Signed in the Democratic Republic of Congo on July 23, the agreement sought to end months of sectarian bloodletting between the Muslim Seleka and Christian anti-balaka militias.

Muslims have complained of inadequate government representation since Djotodia, a Muslim, stepped down in January to be replaced by Samba-Panza, a Christian who had formerly served as mayor of Bangui.

Landlocked CAR descended into anarchy last year when Seleka rebels ousted then-president Francois Bozize – a Christian who had come to power in a 2003 coup – and installed Djotodia in his stead.

Christians, who account for the majority of the country's population, accuse Muslims of supporting Seleka militants blamed for attacking Christian homes, looting property and carrying out summary executions during Djotodia's brief stint in power.

By Sylvestre Krock

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