The defense ministry will be headed by Emmanuel Nadingar, so far deputy chief of staff in the government. Nadingar replaces Allafouza Koni, who left the cabinet.

The reshuffle is the third since Moussa Faki was appointed prime minister in June 2003.

The agriculture portfolio went to Pascal Yoadimnadji, who was so far president of the constitutional council.

Natoingar Bailodji Barthelemy was named new minister for communication and government spokesman.

Mariam Ali heads the newly created ministry for state control and moralization, while Abakar Mallah was named the government's new chief of staff also in charge of relations with parliament.

WAR.WIRE