Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf announced on Thursday she has fired all but one member of her Cabinet, as she seeks a “fresh slate” ahead of her re-election bid in 2011.
“President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on Wednesday evening asked her entire Cabinet to take administrative leave effective immediately,” read a government press release.
She said the reason for such decision is that her administration “is entering a critical stretch and this would afford her the opportunity to start with a fresh slate going forward”.
According to the press statement, Sirleaf said “until such time when they are asked to return or their successors have been appointed, designated deputies are authorised to act in their stead”.
“The president further announced that a Cabinet restructuring will be made in the shortest possible time and that several ministers could be reappointed.”
She said a similar shake-up would take place in other government agencies.
“I want this administration to be the most effective going forward.”
Edward McClain, the presidential affairs minister, was the only member of the Cabinet to retain his post.
Sirleaf, who was elected in 2006 after the end of 14 years of bloody civil conflict in 2003, has announced she is seeking re-election in 2011 despite initially promising to step down after one term.
One of Africa’s bloodiest conflicts, Liberia’s war claimed more than 200 000 lives and sent a million people into refugee camps in neighbouring countries. — AFP