The president of the Comoro Islands, Mohammed Taki, has announced a new government, but has left the post of Prime Minister vacant.

The new administration contains only eight members -- three fewer than that of Nourdine Bourhane, which was sacked on Friday.

One of the new ministers is a previous prime minister, Mohamed Abdou Mahdi, who has been given a wide-ranging portfolio including justice and employment.

A presidential spokesman said the government had been given the task of preparing national reconciliation.

There was rioting and a general strike on the main Comoran island, Grand Comore, earlier this month, and last year secessionist movements on the islands of Anjouan and Moheli declared themselves independent.