Mozambique president sacks prime minister
Mozambique's President Armando Guebuza arrives at the leaders meeting at the African Union (AU) in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, July 16, 2012.
Image by: STRINGER / REUTERS
Image by: STRINGER / REUTERS
Mozambique President Armando Guebuza on Monday sacked his prime minister in a surprise cabinet reshuffle that saw five ministers and four provincial governors shifted amid uncertainty over who will be his successor.
In a statement the presidency said Prime Minister Aires Ali -- who was once a favourite to succeed Guebuza -- and the minister of education were among those to get the chop.
Alberto Vaquina, governor of the coal-rich province of tete was named new prime minster.
Guebuza was elected unopposed to head ruling party Frelimo for a third term three weeks ago, raising speculation about who will run for the southern African country's presidency in 2014 polls.
Guebuza has repeatedly said he would abide by the laws which forbid him a third term as head of state.
The surprise reshuffle, is the first major change in government since violent food riots in September 2010, when critics accused Frelimo of widespread corruption and nepotism.
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