Liberia's Sirleaf fires all ministers bar one

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has dismissed all but one of her cabinet ministers, saying she is seeking a fresh start ahead of elections scheduled for 2011.

Reuters

Sirleaf said the reason for her decision is that her administration is entering “a critical stretch" and that she needs to start with a fresh slate going forward, a government press release read.

No other reason was given for the shake-up but it comes amid a crackdown on corruption.

Deputies are to lead ministries until new ministers have been appointed. Sirleaf has warned that a similar shake-up would take place in other government agencies.

The minister for presidential affairs was the only one to retain his post.

Sirleaf was elected in 2006 after the end of 14 years of bloody civil conflict in 2003 and has announced she will be standing in upcoming elections in 2011.