A new Central African Republic prime minister was named by presidential decree Friday, the day after the government resigned as the impoverished country struggles with a rebellion and a bust-up with its traditional ally France.

Henri Marie Dondra was named prime minister in the decree read out on national radio, which takes effect immediately.

The appointment of the former finance minister comes after Firmin Ngrebada announced his resignation as prime minister, along with that of his government.

Reputedly close to President Faustin Archange Touadera, the new PM is also known for having a good knowledge of international finance and aid programmes, vital for the second least-developed country in the world, according to the UN.

The economic and humanitarian problems facing the CAR's new prime minister are huge. The UN estimated at the end of May that nearly half of the population was "food insecure", due to the coronavirus epidemic, but also because of the security situation.