President Francois Bozize of the Central African Republic on Thursday issued a decree dismissing the government of Prime Minister Celestin-Leroy Gaombalet, state radio said.
The radio gave no further details and did not say who will be appointed as the country’s new prime minister. Officials were not immediately available to say what prompted the unexpected dismissal.
Gaombalet was appointed in December 2003 to replace the first prime minister appointed by Bozize after he came to power in a coup in March last year.
Presidential and legislative elections scheduled for the end of next January and February are supposed to pave the way for a return to democracy after the putsch that ousted Ange-Felix Patasse.
Bozize has not yet annouced if he plans to stand as a candidate in the elections.
A referendum on a new Constitution is due to be held in October, followed by the polls early next year.
Bozize this summer warned his fellow countrymen to ”remain vigilant” in the period running up to the elections.
”Because, as we observe every day, these elections are a threat to some, who are already conspiring in the shadows to deprive the Central African people of its legitimate and sovereign right to express itself.” — Sapa-AFP