Senegal President Macky Sall sacks PM Abdou Mbaye Published duration 1 September 2013

image copyright Reuters image caption President Sall has been in office for 18 months

Senegalese President Macky Sall has sacked the prime minister he appointed soon after coming to power last year.

Abdou Mbaye, a former banker who did not belong to any political party, has been replaced by Justice Minister Aminata Toure.

"The president has asked me to form and lead a new government. I have accepted the job," she said.

A statement issued by a spokesman for President Sall gave no reason for Mr Mbaye's dismissal.

In March 2012 election Mr Sall defeated Abdoulaye Wade - who had been president for 12 years - promising to tackle poverty and corruption.