By Sandra Birungi

The president of Central African Republic (CAR), President Francois Bozize has lived up to his promise of having a government reshuffle as the country’s Seleka rebels continue their calm in the country.

The new unity government was announced yesterday, Sunday 3rd by the Central African Republic Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye. The government reshuffle comes after government and the rebels agreed to share power.

The new government gives both the opposition and government several key posts just days after negotiations which saw the rebels put and end to the rebel offensive last month, January 11 peace deal.

The head of the Seleka coalition that launched the insurgency in December, Michel Djotodia, became the defense minister and deputy prime minister.Tiangaye, who was previously in opposition, also takes the finance ministry portfolio.

The mining ministry was given to Djono Ahaba, a former housing minister who is close to the insurgents. Representatives of opposition political parties were appointed to the ministries of public works, education, telecommunications, health and farming.

Bozize’s supporters were appointed to important portfolios including economy, international cooperation and foreign affairs.