afrol News, 2 October - Angolan president Jose Eduardo dos Santos unveiled his cabinet following last month's landmark legislative poll on Wednesday, state media reported.

Angola's ruling MPLA party secured a landslide election victory last month, setting stage for changes that critics fear could make presidency even more powerful and weaken other institutions.

According to ANGOP news agency a new cabinet of 35 members, has 17 new faces including minister of foreign affairs, Assuncao dos Anjos, Oil Minister Jose Maria Botelho de Vasconcelos, Geology and Mining Minister Makenda Ambroise.

Other changes included establishment of a ministry of economy to oversee ministry of finance and planning, said weekly media reporter.

Six years after end of a 27-year civil war, oil rich African country's held its first legislative election in 16 years in early September.

MPLA that ruled oil rich country since independence in 1975 from Portugal, has embraced pro business policies after abandoning Marxism in early 1990s and has crushed a divided and under-funded opposition.

Some UNITA senior officials in government had been sighted by MPLA officials and would be removed there while constitution's suggestions also have been rejected, reports said, adding that party will use its muscle to re-establish a one party state.

Ruling MPLA led by Mr Dos Santos claimed an overwhelming victory over its long time political rivals, UNITA.

Mr Dos Santos chose Paulo Kassoma as new prime minister while the country's new parliament was sworn on Monday and Tuesday.

Angola's fortunes have begun to change rapidly as nation now rivals Nigeria as Africa's leading oil exporter since war ended.

Government is eager to attract more foreign investment into its oil and diamond sector as well as other abandoned areas including agriculture, local media said.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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