Bozize (right) says he is preparing new elections

Correspondents say the 28-member government put together by Prime Minister Abel Goumba is the first sign that the situation in the country is getting back to normal following the coup on 15 March.

Two supporters of ousted President Ange-Felix Patasse, who was overthrown during a trip abroad, are among members of political parties and civil society who have been brought into the cabinet.

Mr Goumba, described as a respected opposition politician has said he wanted to have a clean administration that is free of corruption.

"We have to make our own efforts at rebuilding our country before we can call on the international community," Mr Goumba said.

The prime minister is also in charge of the finance and economy ministry, General Bozize takes control of the ministry of defence, while the foreign affairs post has gone to Abdo Karim Meckassoua, the former leader of the political wing of the victorious rebel group.

Uphill Struggle

But there are huge challenges ahead for the new government.

Even through the country is rich in diamonds, gold and uranium the population live in poverty, mainly due to corruption, and mismanagement.

Chad has sent troops to join peacekeepers

The expectant public who have generally welcomed the take-over now need the government to pay huge salary arrears.

The coup was characterised by the wide-scale looting of shops, government offices and aid agencies warehouses.

But General Bozize said of the task ahead: "There's only one remedy to get the country back on its feet: work, nothing but hard work".

He has promised to hold elections sometime in the future.

Troops from the sub-regional grouping especially Chad, from where General Bozize launched his rebellion, have been helping to provide security.