New premier in Central African Republic

A new prime minister has been appointed in the Central African Republic.

He's the former ambassador to Benin, Martin Ziguele.

The appointment was announced in a decree from the republic's president, Ange-Felix Patasse, who said Anicet Georges Dologuele, who was prime minister for two years, has been replaced.

No reason was given for the change, but it follows tensions within the ruling party over Mr Dologuele's handling of a five-month strike by civil servants.

They're protesting at more than two years of salary arrears and the severe economic problems facing the country -- one of the poorest in Africa.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service