Gabon has a new prime minister. The previous incumbent, Paul Biyoghé Mba, had been in office since July 2009. He was obliged to hand in his resignation following the announcement of the official results of the legislative election and he did so. He could have been reappointed, but, instead, President Ali Ben Bongo Ondimba has made a new appointment.

The new PM is Raymond Ndong Sima. Jeune Afrique is reporting that he is the first PM to be appointed from outside the dominant Libreville area. Indeed, he is from the region of one of the president’s main opponents. Given the crushing, though hardly legitimate victory, of the ruling party at the election, the appointment might be seen as a sign of reconciliation. Previously, PM Ndong Sima was the Minister of Agriculture.