20120205
AFP
Gambian President Yahya Jammeh has named the first ministers in his new cabinet, retaining his vice president, interior, tourism, and finance ministers.

The move came after Jammeh, who was in November 2011 re-elected for a fourth five-year term as President of the tiny West African country, dissolved his entire cabinet this week.

He was sworn in as President barely three weeks ago at a ceremony in Banjul that brought together dignitaries across Africa including Presidents from Senegal, Sierra Leone and Mauritania.

Isatou Njie-Saidy, vice president since 1997 will continue as the vice president, Fatou Mass Jobe-Njie, will also remain as minister of tourism and culture, a statement from the presidency said on Saturday.

Ousman Sonko will remain as minister of the interior while Mambury Njie will also take back his position as minister of finance and economic affairs, the statement added.

Jammeh, who holds key ministerial posts including defence, agriculture, religious affairs, and works, construction and infrastructure, is yet to name the rest of his cabinet, which in total consists of 16 ministers.